26/2 lifestyle of a virus

Question 1

What is a capsid?

Answer 1

A protein coat on a virus

Question 2

Explain the lytic cycle

Answer 2

The virus attaches to the cell and injects genetic material
The viral genetic material then forms a circle
New viral genetic material and proteins are produced and assembled
The cell lyses and releases viruses before the cycle repeats

Question 3

Explain the lysogenic cycle

Answer 3

The viral genetic material connects with the genetic material that’s already there and forms a circle
It replicates
The genetic material then separates and continues the final stages of the lytic cycle: new viral genetic material and proteins are produced and assembled, the cell lyses and releases viruses before the cycle repeats

Question 4

Why isn’t testing the activity of a virus on a bacterial lawn plate suitable for a virus with a long lysogenic part in its life cycle?

Answer 4

It won’t show up as the bacteria is killed slowly