Viruses Flashcards
Why are some viruses harmful?
Invade cell, viruses force cell to make copy of virus, so many copies made , cell explodes releasing all of the new viruses.
What is a virus?
It’s either DNA or RNA that is protected by a protein coat called a capsid (non living). Need a host
Who do viruses infect?
Bacteria - bacteriophage
Plants- eg. Tabacco mosaic virus
Animals- common cold
List the properties of a virus?
Obligate parasite Must have a host to exist Have either dna or RNA but not both Viruses direct synthesis of new virus within a host cell Newly made viruses infect other cell
How do viruses differ from a living cell?
Simple a cellular organisation.
Presence of DNA or RNA but not both
Can’t reproduce independently or carry out cell division
What size are viruses?
Smallest infectious agents (have to fit into other cells)
Only seen with electron micro
Provirus 20 nm in diameter.
Name the structure of a virus?
Neuclocapsid Capsid Some have envelopes or tail Envelope = enveloped virus Non envelope = naked virus
What is the capsid made of?
Protein subunits called capsomers.
Name the 2 types of capsid?
Helical (rod shaped) eg. Tabacco mosaic virus
Icosahderal ( 3d, 20 sided figure, 12 evenly spaced corners)
Eg. Adenovirus 90-100nm, non enveloped, dsDna - one of natures favourite shapes very efficient.
What is a virus envelope made off?
It’s a bit of the hosts cell membrane in the form of an envelope formed during replication or release.
Made of lipid bilayer
Glycoproteins (spikes) essential for attachment.
Give an example of an enveloped virus?
Herpes simplex
How are viruses classified?
Shape (helical, polyhedral,spherical,complex)
Genetic material (dsDna, ssDna, dsRna, ssRna)
Presence or absence of an envelope
List the characteristics of a ssDNA virus?
Small genome 2-7kb Circular genomes No envelope Mostly icosahedral capsid Eg. Parvovirus and slap cheek
List the characteristics of a dsDNA?
One of the largest known viruses (genome 5-180 kb linear and circular)
No dsDNA virus is known to infect plants
Phages are dsDNA viruses 95%
Eg. Herpes simplex, hover viral meningitis.
List the characteristics of dsRNA?
Icosahedral capsids that stay intact inside the cell provide protection
Transcription occurs via viral rna, just use host cell machinery
Capable of infecting multiple species
Eg rotavirus ( gastroenteritis )