36 Questions
What is the estimated number of viruses on Earth?
10^31
What is unique about the replication of viruses?
They replicate by independent synthesis of their constituent parts
What is a key characteristic of viruses that distinguishes them from other microorganisms?
Their inability to replicate outside of host cells
What is the role of viruses in the aquatic world?
They move organic matter from particulate to dissolved
What is an important function of viruses in evolution?
They transfer genes between bacteria in transduction
What is a common component of all virions?
Nucleocapsid
What is the size range of virions?
10-400 nm in diameter
What is the term for the protein coat of a virus?
Capsid
What is the term for sub-viral infectious agents that require a helper virus to replicate?
Satellites
What is the primary function of helical capsids in viral structures?
To aid in the transfer of genetic material between host cells
What is the characteristic shape of icosahedral capsids?
A regular polyhedron with 20 equilateral faces and 12 vertices
What is the term for the ring/knob-shaped units made of 5 or 6 protomers?
Capsomers
What is the characteristic of pox viruses and large bacteriophages?
They do not fit into the category of having helical/icosahedral capsids
What is the origin of animal virus envelopes?
Host cells' plasma/nuclear membranes
What is the function of envelope proteins that project from the envelope surface?
To facilitate viral attachment to host cells
What is the composition of viral genomes?
Either DNA or RNA, single or double stranded, segmented or circular
What is the basis of the Baltimore classification system?
Viral genome structure and replication strategy
What is the term for the viral particles that contain enzymes?
Virions
What is the primary function of promoters in viral structures?
To self-assemble into capsids
What is the characteristic shape of helical capsids?
Hollow tubes with protein walls
What is the primary reason why viruses are incapable of replication outside host cells?
They lack the genetic information for metabolism.
What is the role of the nucleocapsid in a virion?
It serves as a protein coat for the virus.
What determines the size of a capsid?
The size of the nucleic acid
What is the function of viral enzymes in the replication process?
To aid in the transcription and translation of viral genes
What is the function of viruses in molecular biology?
They are sources of enzymes used in molecular biology.
Which type of viral genome is composed of single-stranded DNA?
ssDNA viruses
What is the characteristic of virus multiplication?
They multiply by independent synthesis of their constituent parts.
What is the estimated number of viruses on Earth?
10^31
What is the role of spikes/peplomers in the viral life cycle?
To aid in viral attachment to host cells
Which type of viral genome is characterized by reverse transcription?
RNA reverse transcribing viruses
What is the purpose of spike proteins in some viruses?
To recognize and bind to host cells.
What is the primary function of the envelope in viral structures?
To aid in viral attachment to host cells
What is the function of viruses in the transfer of genes between bacteria?
They facilitate the transfer of genes through transduction.
What is the characteristic of viral genomes that distinguishes them from other microorganisms?
Their composition of nucleic acid
What is the term for sub-viral infectious agents that require a helper virus to replicate?
Satellites
What is the size range of virions?
10-400 nm in diameter
Test your knowledge of viruses, their structure, replication, and impact on disease and the environment. Learn about the importance of viruses in the aquatic world and their role in evolution.
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