Virology Overview Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a virus once it has entered a host cell?

To multiply by binary fission

To replicate its genetic material and produce enzymes

To destroy its own nucleic acid

To produce viral particles using the host's machinery (correct)

What is the term for the protein shell that encases the viral nucleic acid?

Capsid (correct)

Envelope

Nucleocapsid

Capsomere

Which organization is responsible for developing and maintaining the universal viral taxonomy?

International Union of Microbiological Societies

World Health Organization (WHO)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) (correct)

What is the term for the viral genetic material, which can be either single or double stranded?

Viral nucleic acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of glycoproteins on the surface of the viral envelope?

To facilitate the attachment of the virus to the host cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which the viral protein coat is removed and the nucleic acid is released?

Uncoating Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses?

Presence or absence of a lipid bilayer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly makes up the viral nucleocapsid?

Capsid and viral nucleic acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of veterinary virology?

Preventing economic losses and ensuring food safety and security Signup and view all the answers

What is the second step in the viral replication process?

Penetration Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of veterinarians in relation to zoonotic diseases?

They are the first line of defense against the animal-human interface Signup and view all the answers

What is characteristic of viruses that makes them rely on a host?

Their lack of certain organelles Signup and view all the answers

What is the innermost layer of viruses?

Nucleic acid genome Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the shape and size of some viruses?

They can alter their shape or size Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about viruses compared to living organisms?

They are non-living organisms that do not possess standard cellular organelles Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a scientist who studies viruses?

Virologist Signup and view all the answers

What factors does the ICTV consider when classifying viruses?

Viral morphology, replication strategies, and nature of virus genome Signup and view all the answers

What is a zoonosis?

A viral disease that can be transmitted from animals and birds to humans Signup and view all the answers

What is the main limitation of antiviral drugs in treating viral infections?

They are in low supply Signup and view all the answers

What is "B" pointing to on the virus?

Capsid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of vaccination in preventing viral infections?

To induce a delayed immune response Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of histopathology in diagnosing viral infections?

To indicate characteristic changes in cells/tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is the main application of ELISA in diagnosing viral infections?

To detect host antibodies against a virus Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cultivation in diagnosing viral infections?

To grow cells outside of the host to study viral impacts Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of RT-PCR and PCR in diagnosing viral infections?

To detect viral nucleic acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between natural antiserum and vaccinations?

Natural antiserum provides immediate immunity, while vaccinations take time Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the electron microscope in diagnosing viral infections?

To identify and study viral morphology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a vector-borne viral infection?

B and C Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of proper hygiene and sanitation in preventing viral infections?

It prevents food-borne illnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of viral replication on the host cell?

All of the above are possible consequences Signup and view all the answers

What is "C" pointing to on the virus?

Envelope Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of serology in diagnosing viral infections?

To detect host antibodies against a virus or viral antigens Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which a host cell undergoes 'cellular suicide' to prevent viral replication?

Apoptosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the rupture of the host cell after viral replication has been completed?

Lysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of culling in preventing the spread of viral infections?

To kill and burn infected animals Signup and view all the answers

What is the step in which the viral DNA/RNA hijacks the host cell and begins replicating within the cell?

Step 4: Synthesis of viral nucleic acid and protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for viruses that cause the host cell to transform into a malignant cell?

Oncogenic viruses Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of viral replication on the host cell in latent, chronic, or persistent infections?

No apparent change to the host cell Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Virology: General Info

Virology is the study of viruses and viral diseases.
A virologist is someone who studies viruses.
Zoonosis is a viral disease that can be transmitted from animals and birds to humans.
Veterinary virology is the study of viruses in animals, birds, and marine species.
Veterinary virology is important because viral diseases:
- Cause high rates of mortality and morbidity in animals and birds.
- Have a large impact on food safety and security.
- Cause tremendous economic losses and are expensive to control and prevent.
Pleomorphism is the ability of (some) viruses to alter their shape or size.
Veterinarians are the first line of defense against the animal-human interface with zoonotic diseases.

Viral Structure

Viruses are non-living organisms that do not possess standard cellular organelles.
Viruses contain a nucleic acid genome (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a capsid (protein coat) and may have an additional lipid envelope.
Due to the lack of certain organelles, viruses must rely on a host for protein or energy synthesis, making them obligate intracellular parasites.
Viruses are dormant particles outside of the host and hijack the host's machinery to aid in protein and nucleic acid production.
Viruses do not have the genetic capacity to multiply by division (outside of the cell).
Viral replication resembles an assembly line where various parts of the virus come together from different parts of the host cell to form new viral particles.

Capsid and Envelope

A capsid is a protein shell that encases the viral nucleic acid or genome.
Capsids are composed of capsomeres held together by non-covalent bonds.
The word capsid originated from Latin "Capsa" meaning "box".
A nucleocapsid is composed of a capsid and viral nucleic acid (DNA/RNA)/genome.
The viral envelope is usually a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell.
Glycoproteins are present on the surface of the envelope and may appear as spikes.
Naked or non-enveloped viruses only contain a protein capsid enclosing the viral nucleic acid.

Viral Replication: Steps

Step 1: Attachment - the virus binds to specific host cell receptors.
Step 2: Penetration - the virus enters the host cell.
Step 3: Uncoating - the viral protein coat is removed, and either DNA or RNA is released into the host cell.
Step 4: Synthesis of viral nucleic acid and protein - the viral DNA/RNA hijacks the host cell and begins replicating, causing host cell damage.
Step 5: (Viral) Assembly and Maturation.
Step 6: (Viral) Release in large numbers.

Viral Replication: Impacts on the Host Cell

Viral replication can cause:
- Host cell death (lysis, apoptosis, or alterations in the cell membrane).
- Host cell transformation into a malignant cell (oncogenic viruses).
- No apparent change to the host cell (latent, chronic, or persistent infections).
- Multinucleation or fusion of (host) cells.

Viral: Classification/Taxonomy

The ICTV (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses) is the only body in charge of developing, refining, and maintaining the universal viral taxonomy.
The ICTV takes into account the viral morphology, replication strategies, and nature of the virus genome and genetic diversity.

Viral: Diagnosis/Detection

Viral infections can be diagnosed using:
- Gross evaluation and histopathology.
- Cultivation/isolation of viruses within cell/tissue cultures or inoculation within eggs.
- Electron microscopes.
- Serology (e.g., ELISA).
- Detection of viral nucleic acids/molecular biology (e.g., RT-PCR and PCR).

Viral: Treatment

Viruses can be treated with:
- Antiviral drugs.
- Immune system stimulation (e.g., interferon therapy).
- Synthesized antibodies or administration of natural antiserum (antibodies).

Viral: Prevention

Viruses can be prevented with:
- Vaccinations.
- Proper hygiene and sanitation.
- Elimination of arthropod vectors.
- Quarantine and culling (e.g., African Swine Fever).

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Description

Learn the fundamentals of virology, including the study of viruses, viral diseases, and veterinary virology. Explore the importance of virology in understanding and preventing zoonotic diseases.