viruses and virology Flashcards
What are the 4 traits viruses are defined by?
virion
capsomere protein
assembly
capacity to evolve
What protects virions?
a nucleic acid protected by capsomeres
What is the protein coat of capsomeres that surrounds the nucleic acid?
capsid
What are the two classes of virions?
enveloped or naked
Difference between enveloped and naked virion?
Enveloped consists of a bilayer and naked do not
What are the two major shapes of capsids?
spherical or helical
What makes spherical capsids different from helical?
They are more rigid and less flexible
What is it called when the nucleic acid genome and capsomere are intimately associated?
nucleocapsid
What are the characteristics of viral genomes?
DNA or RNA
single or double stranded
linear or circular
several separate segments
What is the Baltimore Classification?
how different genomes, different viruses once they infect the cell make mRNA
What is the Baltimore classification scheme based upon?
the central role of the translational machinery and the importance of viral mRNAs in programing viral protein synthesis
How is it possible to view viruses if they are microscopic?
they display cytopathic effects which is visible
What are the different types of cytopathic effects?
form syncytia
inclusion bodies form
transform
How are viruses grown?
in animal and human cells
What do viruses require to infect?
binding to a receptor
