Viruses Flashcards
What is the difference between + and - RNA?
+ RNA cann be immediately translated by the host cell → can be less infectious though
-RNA is complementary to mRNA , must be converted to + RNA via RNA polymerase before translation
What is ambisense?
Ambisense means that the virus resembles a negative sense RNA virus however they can also translate genes from the positive strand
What are the differences between Envelopped and non-envelopped viruses?
Enveloped Viruses
Have lipid-bilayer membranes
Impermeable barrier between their genome and the enviro
Ex HIV, inluenza
Non Enveloped Viruses
No membranes
No barrier, tightly packe protein shell to exclude nucleases or other source of gentic damage
Ex, polio virus, papillomavirus
What is the main constraint for viral structure?
The information that is needed to build and assemble the virus cannot exhaust the genetic capacity of the packaged genome → highly symmetrical
What are the steps that initiate entry into the host cells for viruses?
Induced conformational changes→ receptors, membrane fusion, penetration
Transmission of signal through membrane prepares cell for invasion
Induction of endocytic pathway
Do Viruses affect every type of cell?
No they only infect cells that they can bind to
What location of the cell are DNA viruses transported to? RNA viruses?
DNA viruses are transported to the nucleus (they need nucleus materials)
RNA viruses are translated in the cytosol so can be put either in the nucleus or the cytosol
Explain the 2 ways that RNA viruses can rplicate their genomes.
RNA-dependent RNA synthesis (RNA replication)
RNA-dependent DNA synthesis (reverse transcription) followed by DNA replication and transcription (ex retroviruses)
What is the genetic component that all viruses need?
mRNA needed early in infection to make essential viral proteins (positive sense)
What are some differences for dsDNA and ssDNA?
dsDNA only needs cellular RNA polymerase II to make mRNA while ssDNA needs cellular DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase II ot make mRNA (extra step)
What are the steps to obtain mrNA form +ssRNA? From - ssRNA?
+ssRNA uses its own Virion RTase to make dsDNA then the hosts Cellular RNA pol II to get mRNA
-ssRNA can use either its own enzymes (Virion RdRp) or Cellular RNA polII to amke mRNA
Why are there lots of mutations in viruses and why is that beneficial?
Polymerases that catalyze RNA replication and reverse transcription have minimal proofreading activities
RNA dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp) and reverse transcriptases have error rate that is three orders of magnitude higher than DNA dependent DNA polymerases, allowing for a quicker evolution , but also creates a upper limit on genome size
Describe the virus assembly process of a non-enveloped virus
Structural proteins must be retained at the subcellular domain where assembly occurs
MAcromolecules assemble into empty capsids
Viral DNA is inserted into the structure via a packaging sequences at one end of the genome
Precursor core proteins are also packaged into the empty capsid along with DNA
Proteolytic cleavage of the precursor protein by proteinase yields the mature (infectious) virion
How are proteins biosynthesized and excreted in viruses?
Rely on eukaryotic cells for the biosynthesis of macromolecules, have similar targeting signals. They travel through the secretory pathway of the cell.
Associate with Er → transported across via a proteinaceous pore → transported to Golgi complex → plasma membrane unless they contain amino acids motifs that localize to them to another location
Intracellular transport happens in coasted vesicles
Protein destined for the nucleus contain nuclear localization signals → to use nuclear pore machinery, other may contain nuclear export signal
Describe the 3 mthods of acquiring a lipid bilayer from the host cell for enveloped virus
Proteins are transported into plasma membrane and capsid assembled and development occur simultaneously
Capsid assembly occurs int eh cytoplasma and then the virus buds from the plasma membrane and gets its envelope
Capsid assembly occurs in the cytoplasm and gets its envelope from theER and is exported via exocytosis
What are the bilayers that viruses use?
Glycoprotiens are transported to their preferred lipid bilayer (ER or plasma membrane)
Viral capsid develops elsewhere in the cells, nucleus acids are packaged int the capdi and transported in endosomal vesicles to the area where they envelopment happens
Plasma membrane→ viral budding
ER→ virion is transported to the plasma membrane via the transport vesicle
Why is it difficult to detect and recover foodborne enteric viruses?
They do not multiply in the food system, die off during storage and preservation
Excreted in high umbers in human feces
Cannot multiply outside of the body , killed by pasteruization, heat , irraditation