18 Questions
What is the main function of the capsid in a virus?
to surround and protect the nucleic acid core
What types of nucleic acids can make up the genome of a virus?
DNA or RNA, single stranded or double stranded
What is the purpose of the envelope in some viruses?
to surround the nucleocapsid with a phospholipid membrane
What determines the specificity of a virus to infect a particular host's cells?
the precise affinity of viral surface proteins or glycoproteins for complementary proteins or glycoproteins on the host cell surface
What is the term for the virus particle outside the cell?
virion
What is the term for the combination of the nucleic acid and the capsid?
nucleocapsid
What is a common characteristic of viruses within the Picornaviridae family?
Very small RNA viruses
What type of genome does the Hepadnaviridae family contain?
DNA
What is a key difference between viruses and cells?
Viruses are acellular and obligate intracellular parasites, whereas cells are cellular and can divide and grow on their own.
What is the range of sizes for viruses?
10 nm to 500 nm
What are the two main components of a virus?
A proteinaceous capsid and a genome (either DNA or RNA)
How do viruses replicate?
In an assembly-line manner using the enzymes and organelles of a host cell
What are the three basic types of viral shapes?
helical, polyhedral (icosahedral), and complex
What is the function of the viral envelope in terms of host cell recognition?
The proteins and glycoproteins on the envelope play a role in the recognition of host cells.
What characteristics are used to classify viruses?
type of nucleic acid, presence of an envelope, shape, and size
What is the size range of viruses?
from 24 nm to 500 nm in diameter
What is the function of matrix proteins in viral structure?
They fill the region between the capsid and envelope.
What is the origin of the viral envelope?
It is acquired from the host cell.
An introduction to parasitology and virology, covering the basics of viruses, their sizes, shapes, and susceptibility to attack various organisms.
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