Viral Replication Process

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of a virus that allows it to replicate?

Organelles

ATP

Proteins

Nucleic acid (correct)

How do non-enveloped viruses typically enter a host cell?

By tricking the cell's receptors into letting them in (correct)

By using the host cell's ATP to replicate

By fusing with the cell membrane

By injecting their genetic material directly into the cell

What is the result of a virus taking over a host cell's machinery?

The host cell produces more ATP

The host cell undergoes apoptosis

The host cell becomes resistant to viral infection

The virus begins to replicate its genetic material (correct)

What is the function of the viral protein coat?

To protect the viral genetic material from the host cell's immune system Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between an enveloped and non-enveloped virus?

The method by which they enter the host cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which viral proteins assemble into a fully functional virus?

Self-assembly Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the host cell's ATP in viral replication?

To facilitate the replication of the viral genetic material Signup and view all the answers

Why do viruses need to enter a host cell to replicate?

Because they lack the necessary organelles to replicate Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the host cell when the virus undergoes the lytic cycle?

The host cell is forced to lyse, or break open. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the repressor genes on the virus in the lysogenic cycle?

To repress the viral genes and keep them dormant. Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the activation of the virus in the lysogenic cycle?

The host cell's exposure to UV light. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the lytic cycle?

The virus creates an army of viral particles that can infect other cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the virus's dormant state in the lysogenic cycle?

Latent phase. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the host cell's genome when the virus is active in the lysogenic cycle?

The virus is excised from the host cell's genome. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the impatient method of viral replication?

Lytic cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the virus combining with the host's genetic information in the lysogenic cycle?

The virus is repressed and remains dormant. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Viral Replication

Viruses are made of only proteins and one type of nucleic acid, and have no organelles to make copies of themselves, so they need to get inside other cells to use their ATP and organelles to replicate.
There are three ways for viruses to get inside a cell:
- Bacterial phages inject their genetic material directly into the cell
- Non-enveloped viruses trick the cell's receptors into letting them in
- Enveloped viruses can either trick the cell's receptors or directly fuse with the membrane

Lytic Cycle

The impatient virus takes over the cell's machinery, using ATP, ribosomes, nucleic acids, and amino acids to make copies of its genetic material and proteins.
The viral proteins self-assemble to form fully functional viruses.
The cell eventually breaks open (lyses), releasing the new viruses into the environment, where they can infect other nearby cells.
This method is ideal when there are many hosts available and the goal is to create a large army quickly.

Lysogenic Cycle

The virus decides to "hitch a ride" and sneak into the cell, combining its genetic material with the host's genetic information to remain dormant.
The virus is repressed, not expressed or transcribed, and is called a provirus or prophage.
This is referred to as a dormant or latent phase, where the host cell continues to replicate and the virus is replicated along with it.
In rare cases, the virus can become active if the host cell is weakened or exposed to certain stimuli, leading to the virus making copies of itself and eventually lysing the cell.

Key Terms

Lytic cycle: the method where the virus takes over the cell's machinery to replicate itself quickly.
Lysogenic cycle: the method where the virus remains dormant and replicates along with the host cell.
Proviruses or prophages: the dormant or latent form of the virus.
Repressor genes: genes on the virus that keep it dormant and inactive.

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Description

Learn about the steps involved in viral replication, including how viruses enter host cells and use their ATP and organelles to make copies of themselves. Review the three ways of viral entry and get familiar with the process of viral replication.