Viruses

Question 1

Describe genome of influenza virus.

Answer 1

-negative sense RNA (complementary to mRNA)
-8 different segments of single stranded RNA associated with nucleoproteins
-Each RNA segment is packed with 3 polymerase proteins which come together to form an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase enzyme complex which replicates and transcribes the viral genome in the host cell

Question 2

Describe genome of HIV virus.

Answer 2

-(+) strand RNA
-viral genome has the same sequence as viral mRNA
-2 identical copies of single stranded RNA bound to nucleocapsid proteins

Question 3

Describe attachment of influenza virus.

Answer 3

Hemagglutinin binds to complementary sialic acid receptor on host cell (e.g. epithelial cells in respiratory tract) membrane.

Question 4

Describe penetration of influenza virus.