unit 8 (acellular pathogens) Flashcards
(110 cards)
characteristics of viruses
infectious acellular pathogens, obligate intracellular parasites w/ host and cell type specificity, DNA or RNA genome, genome surrounded by protein capsid
types of host cells that viruses can infect
every type of host cell (plants, animals, fungi, protists, bacteria, archaea)
host range definition
the host cells that viruses can infect, viruses are only able to infect the cells of one or a few species of an organism
host range determined by
certain specific surface receptors on host cells that viruses can attach to
virus transmission modes
direct and indirect contact, mechanical and biological vectors
size range of viruses
20-900 nm
genetic material of viruses
either DNA or RNA, never both
capsid definition
protein coat that surrounds the viral genome and enzymes needed to direct the synthesis of new virions
capsomere definition
protein subunits that make up a capsid, made of one or more different types of capsomere proteins that interlock to form the closely packed capsid
naked viruses (nonenveloped viruses) definition
viruses formed only with nucleic acid and capsid
enveloped virus definition
viruses formed w/ a nucleic acid packed capsid surrounded by a lipid layer
viral envelope definition
small portion of phospholipid membrane obtained as the virion buds from the host cell.
spikes definition
protein structures that extend outward and away from the capsid on some naked and enveloped viruses
spike function
allow the virus to attach and enter a cell
spike protein examples
influenza virus spikes hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N)
capsid shape types
helical, polyhedral, or complex
helical capsid
capsid is cylindrical or rod shaped, with the genome fitting just inside the length of the capsid
polyhedral capsids
consist of nucleic acid surrounded by a many sided capsid in the form of an icosahedron
icosahedral capsid
3D, 20 sided structure that resembles a soccer ball
complex capsid
have features of both polyhedral and helical viruses
what does the International committee on taxonomy of viruses (ICTV) do?
develops, refines, and maintains a universal taxonomy of viruses
viruses are classified into
families and genera\
viruses are classified based on
viral genetics, morphology, chemistry, and mechanism of multiplication
viral family names end in
-viridae