Viruses and Prions Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are some characteristics of viruses?
minuscule, acellular, infectious agent has either DNA or RNA
A protein coat surrounding the entire virion and nucleic core is referred to as a what? these units together are often referred to as a what?
capsid; nucleocapsid
What does the outer capsid provide for the cell?
protection for the viral nucleic acid and means of attachment to the host cell
In the intracellular state a virus,
once the virus is inside the host, the ____ is removed. The virus then exists simply as ____ _____.
capsid; nucleic acid
Most viruses infect only particular host’s cells. T/F?
True
However, viruses can be either very specific or some maybe generalists. T/F?
True
What types of organisms are susceptible to some sort of viral attack?
ALL
Define complex viral shape.
capsid of many shapes
Define helical viral shape.
spiral
Define polyhedral viral shape.
geodesic dome
What are some characteristics of the viral envelope?
- acquired from host cell during viral replication
- some have viral glycoproteins, called spikes
- provide protection
- plays role in host recognition
- helps virus enter host cell
If a virus has an envelope it is termed?
enveloped virion
If a virus has no envelope it is termed?
non enveloped/ naked vision
The viral replication process with a modified replication cycle is what?
lysogeny
Define prophages.
inactive phages
The viral replication process when phages carry genes that alter phenotype of a bacterium is what?
lysogenic conversion
When an animal virus remain dormant in host cells, the virus is referred to as what?
latent virus or a provirus
Prions are only destroyed by what?
- incineration
- autoclaving in sodium hydroxide
In prion diseases, expression is most predominant in what? what forms in the brain as an effect?
the nervous system; large vacuoles
