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Introduction to Viruses: Characteristics and Discovery
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Introduction to Viruses: Characteristics and Discovery

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Questions and Answers

What are viruses composed of?

Viruses are composed of a nucleocapsid and a membranous envelope.

What is the nucleic acid of a virus?

The nucleic acid of the virus can be RNA or DNA, single-stranded or double-stranded, linear or circular.

Why can viruses only reproduce within living cells?

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, so they can only reproduce within living cells.

What is the general pattern of virus replication?

<p>The general pattern of virus replication includes attachment to the host cell, entry into the host cell, self-assembly of virions within the host cell, and release of virions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What discipline has significantly benefited from the study of viruses?

<p>The field of genetic engineering has significantly benefited from the study of viruses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of nucleic acid that can be found in a virus?

<p>RNA or DNA, single-stranded or double stranded, linear or circular</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of symmetry that capsids may have?

<p>Helical, icosahedral, or complex symmetry</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why can viruses only reproduce within living cells?

<p>Because they are obligate intracellular parasites</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of viruses called?

<p>Virology</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has significantly benefited from the study of viruses?

<p>The discipline of molecular biology and genetic engineering</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Composition of Viruses

  • Viruses are composed of genetic material (nucleic acid) and a protein coat (capsid)

Nucleic Acid of a Virus

  • The nucleic acid of a virus can be either DNA or RNA

Reproduction of Viruses

  • Viruses can only reproduce within living cells because they rely on the host cell's machinery to replicate and assemble their components
  • The general pattern of virus replication involves attachment, penetration, uncoating, replication, assembly, and release

Benefits of Virus Study

  • The study of viruses has significantly benefited the discipline of molecular biology

Types of Nucleic Acid

  • The two types of nucleic acid that can be found in a virus are DNA and RNA

Capsid Symmetry

  • The three types of symmetry that capsids may have are helical, icosahedral, and complex

Virology

  • The study of viruses is called virology

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Description

Learn about the general characteristics of viruses and their discovery, including their ability to reproduce only within living cells and their role as obligate intracellular parasites. Discover the intriguing history of the discovery of SV40 virus during the preparation of the polio vaccine.

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