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Questions and Answers
What is the approximate diameter range of most viruses?
What is the approximate diameter range of most viruses?
Who is credited with first identifying the 'filterable virus', later known as the tobacco mosaic virus?
Who is credited with first identifying the 'filterable virus', later known as the tobacco mosaic virus?
Thomas Milton Rivers' 1920s book on filtrable viruses emphasized which key characteristic of viruses?
Thomas Milton Rivers' 1920s book on filtrable viruses emphasized which key characteristic of viruses?
What was the original purpose of the Chamberlain filter, which later became crucial in virology experiments?
What was the original purpose of the Chamberlain filter, which later became crucial in virology experiments?
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In the tobacco mosaic virus experiment using the Chamberlain filter, what critical observation indicated the infectious agent was not a bacterium?
In the tobacco mosaic virus experiment using the Chamberlain filter, what critical observation indicated the infectious agent was not a bacterium?
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Pasteur's experiments with rabies pathogen and the Chamberlain filter primarily demonstrated what about the rabies-causing agent?
Pasteur's experiments with rabies pathogen and the Chamberlain filter primarily demonstrated what about the rabies-causing agent?
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Viruses are known to infect a wide range of organisms. Which of the following groups are all known to be infected by viruses?
Viruses are known to infect a wide range of organisms. Which of the following groups are all known to be infected by viruses?
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The experiments using the Chamberlain filter in the late 19th century primarily addressed which fundamental question about the nature of infectious agents like the tobacco mosaic virus and rabies pathogen?
The experiments using the Chamberlain filter in the late 19th century primarily addressed which fundamental question about the nature of infectious agents like the tobacco mosaic virus and rabies pathogen?
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Approximately how many bacteriophage particles are estimated to exist in the world's waters?
Approximately how many bacteriophage particles are estimated to exist in the world's waters?
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If a bacteriophage weighs a femtogram (10^-15 grams), what is the approximate weight of all bacteriophages in the world's waters in kilograms?
If a bacteriophage weighs a femtogram (10^-15 grams), what is the approximate weight of all bacteriophages in the world's waters in kilograms?
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How does the weight of all bacteriophages in the world's waters compare to the weight of the human population?
How does the weight of all bacteriophages in the world's waters compare to the weight of the human population?
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Which of the following is a virus known to infect bacteria?
Which of the following is a virus known to infect bacteria?
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What is the approximate number of viruses in a liter of seawater?
What is the approximate number of viruses in a liter of seawater?
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a virus that can cause lifelong infections?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a virus that can cause lifelong infections?
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According to Dr. Thompson's lecture, what do we regularly do with billions of virus particles?
According to Dr. Thompson's lecture, what do we regularly do with billions of virus particles?
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What is the main topic of Dr. Craig Thompson's lecture?
What is the main topic of Dr. Craig Thompson's lecture?
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Which of the following best describes the genetic material of a virus?
Which of the following best describes the genetic material of a virus?
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What is a key structural difference between viruses and bacteria regarding protein synthesis?
What is a key structural difference between viruses and bacteria regarding protein synthesis?
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What size are viruses are typically observed at under an Electron Microscope?
What size are viruses are typically observed at under an Electron Microscope?
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The Baltimore classification system categorizes viruses primarily based on:
The Baltimore classification system categorizes viruses primarily based on:
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Which statement is true regarding the Baltimore classification of viruses?
Which statement is true regarding the Baltimore classification of viruses?
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What technology enabled scientists to definitively identify viruses as microorganisms composed of proteins and nucleic acids?
What technology enabled scientists to definitively identify viruses as microorganisms composed of proteins and nucleic acids?
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Which virus class utilizes reverse transcriptase to create a DNA copy from its RNA genome?
Which virus class utilizes reverse transcriptase to create a DNA copy from its RNA genome?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic used to differentiate between bacteria and viruses?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic used to differentiate between bacteria and viruses?
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What was the key finding from the Hershey-Chase experiment concerning the genetic material in bacteriophages?
What was the key finding from the Hershey-Chase experiment concerning the genetic material in bacteriophages?
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What primarily distinguishes Class VI (ssRNA-RT) viruses in the Baltimore classification?
What primarily distinguishes Class VI (ssRNA-RT) viruses in the Baltimore classification?
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In the Hershey-Chase experiment, how did the researchers introduce radioactive isotopes into the bacteriophages?
In the Hershey-Chase experiment, how did the researchers introduce radioactive isotopes into the bacteriophages?
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What technique was employed in the Hershey-Chase experiment to detach phage coats from the bacteria?
What technique was employed in the Hershey-Chase experiment to detach phage coats from the bacteria?
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After separating phage coats from bacteria in the Hershey-Chase experiment, what method was used to further isolate the components?
After separating phage coats from bacteria in the Hershey-Chase experiment, what method was used to further isolate the components?
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Which radioactive isotope remained present in the bacterial progeny after infection by labeled phages in the Hershey-Chase experiment?
Which radioactive isotope remained present in the bacterial progeny after infection by labeled phages in the Hershey-Chase experiment?
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What was the significance of using radioactive sulfur in the Hershey-Chase experiment?
What was the significance of using radioactive sulfur in the Hershey-Chase experiment?
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Who first visualized viruses using an electron microscope?
Who first visualized viruses using an electron microscope?
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What characterizes a susceptible and permissive cell in viral infections?
What characterizes a susceptible and permissive cell in viral infections?
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How does a chronic infection differ from an acute infection?
How does a chronic infection differ from an acute infection?
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Which factor prevents viral genome elimination in persistent infections?
Which factor prevents viral genome elimination in persistent infections?
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What mechanism allows some viruses to evade the host immune system?
What mechanism allows some viruses to evade the host immune system?
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Which scenario best exemplifies a latent viral infection?
Which scenario best exemplifies a latent viral infection?
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What is a primary mechanism by which influenza viruses cause cytopathy?
What is a primary mechanism by which influenza viruses cause cytopathy?
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Which part of the host protective response is crucial for future immunity against influenza?
Which part of the host protective response is crucial for future immunity against influenza?
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In the pathogenesis of varicella, which step primarily involves the infection of T cells?
In the pathogenesis of varicella, which step primarily involves the infection of T cells?
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Which aspect of varicella pathogenesis is responsible for latent infection?
Which aspect of varicella pathogenesis is responsible for latent infection?
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Which route of viral entry is shared by both influenza and varicella?
Which route of viral entry is shared by both influenza and varicella?
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Flashcards
Virus Characteristics
Virus Characteristics
Key elements that define a virus include its structure, infection methods, and life cycle.
Experiments Identifying Viruses
Experiments Identifying Viruses
Key experiments such as the filtration method helped identify viruses as infectious agents.
Viral Structure
Viral Structure
Viruses have a simple structure consisting of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat.
Infectious Cycle
Infectious Cycle
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Latency in Viruses
Latency in Viruses
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Chronic Active Infection
Chronic Active Infection
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Viral Pathogenesis
Viral Pathogenesis
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Human Virome
Human Virome
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Electron Microscope
Electron Microscope
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Hershey-Chase Experiment
Hershey-Chase Experiment
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Bacteriophages
Bacteriophages
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Radioactive Isotopes
Radioactive Isotopes
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Lysing Bacteria
Lysing Bacteria
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Nucleic Acids
Nucleic Acids
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Separation Procedure
Separation Procedure
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Genetic core of viruses
Genetic core of viruses
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Protein coat (capsid)
Protein coat (capsid)
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Virus envelope
Virus envelope
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Obligate intracellular parasites
Obligate intracellular parasites
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Baltimore classification
Baltimore classification
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dsDNA viruses
dsDNA viruses
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ssRNA viruses
ssRNA viruses
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Retroviruses
Retroviruses
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Types of Cells Infected by Viruses
Types of Cells Infected by Viruses
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Size Range of Viruses
Size Range of Viruses
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Origin of the Term 'Virus'
Origin of the Term 'Virus'
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Discovered Tobacco Mosaic Virus
Discovered Tobacco Mosaic Virus
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Significance of the Chamberlain Filter
Significance of the Chamberlain Filter
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First Animal Virus
First Animal Virus
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Key Discovery: Influenza Virus
Key Discovery: Influenza Virus
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Impact of the Electron Microscope
Impact of the Electron Microscope
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Influenza Host Cell Entry
Influenza Host Cell Entry
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Influenza Cytopathy
Influenza Cytopathy
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Varicella Routes of Infection
Varicella Routes of Infection
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Immunopathology in Influenza
Immunopathology in Influenza
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Latent Infection in Varicella
Latent Infection in Varicella
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Susceptible and Permissive Cells
Susceptible and Permissive Cells
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Acute Infection
Acute Infection
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Chronic/Persistent Infection
Chronic/Persistent Infection
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Latent Infection
Latent Infection
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Pathogenesis
Pathogenesis
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Study Notes
Introduction to Virology, Lecture 1
- The lecture is titled "Introduction to Virology, Lecture 1" and was delivered by Dr. Craig Thompson, Assistant Professor of Molecular Pathology at Warwick Medical School.
- Learning outcomes include describing key elements defining a virus, key experiments identifying viruses, the structure of viruses (with specific examples of influenza, varicella, and SARS-CoV-2), characteristics of the infectious cycle (examples of influenza, varicella, and SARS-CoV-2), viral infection terms (latency, chronic active, persistence), and the pathogenesis of viral infection (with emphasis on influenza and varicella).
Viruses
- Viruses infect all living things, and humans carry viral genomes as part of their genetic material.
- There are more than 1030 bacteriophage particles in the world's waters.
- A bacteriophage weighs a femtogram (10-15 g).
- The weight of all the people in the UK is 5.29 x 109 kg.
- The weight of the population of Europe is 3.512 x 1010 kg.
- The weight of the world's population is 6.3 x 1011 kg.
Viruses in a Liter of Seawater
- A liter of seawater contains more viruses than there are people on Earth.
- Abundance is measured by particle number.
- Viruses comprise a significant portion of both abundance and biomass in seawater.
Viruses – Infect Us
- Some viruses, like herpes simplex, varicella zoster, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesviruses 6, 7, and 8, persist for life.
- The human virome lists specific virus types in various body fluids/organs.
Viruses – Disease
- Viruses cause a significant amount of human disease.
- Top causes of death worldwide in 2019 included cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, and lower respiratory infections, among others.
- Similarly, causes of death in children under five in 2019 included lower respiratory infections, neonatal preterm birth, neonatal asphyxia & trauma, and diarrheal diseases, among others.
Viruses - Key Examples and Information
- Annual deaths from influenza range from 250,000 to 600,000.
- SARS-CoV-2 caused approximately 3,000,000 deaths per year.
- HIV caused approximately 680,000 deaths per year.
- Flaviviruses caused approximately 100,000 deaths per year.
- Norovirus caused approximately 200,000 deaths per year.
Infectious Diseases Impact
- Infectious diseases have a significantly greater impact on lower and middle-income nations compared to higher-income countries.
- Leading causes of death in several income groups are noted. This includes communicable and non-communicable causes.
Gene Regulation and Viruses
- Much of the human genome consists of integrated retroviruses in the form of transposons, specifically LINES and SINEs.
- Viruses can insert themselves into the genome and regulate associated genes.
- The placenta is formed from a viral protein called syncytin.
- Viruses are being increasingly used as vaccine carriers (e.g., the ChadOx COVID-19 vaccine, based on an adenoviral vector).
The Role of Viral Gene Regulation
- Viral proteins are encoded by specific sections of viral genomes.
- LTRs, (long terminal repeats), gag, pol, env, and LTRs have important roles in viral gene regulation and co-option affecting placenta formation.
Key Experiments Identifying Viruses
- Charles Chamberlain's filter experiments showed that viruses are smaller than bacteria, requiring a host for replication, and are microscopic in size.
- The electron microscope allowed researchers to visualize viruses as microorganisms with organized proteins and nucleic acids.
- Hershey-Chase experiments demonstrated that DNA, not protein, is the heritable material of viruses, proving DNA is the genetic material.
Question 1: Microorganisms
- How scientists discovered that viruses were microorganisms relates to the early experimental methods and tools available.
The Structure of Viruses
- Viruses have a genetic core consisting of DNA or RNA. Viruses either have DNA or RNA, but never both.
- A protein coat, called a capsid, surrounds this core, with individual units called capsomeres.
- Some viruses have an envelope, a lipid layer surrounding the capsid.
Classification of Viruses
- Viruses are classified based on various features visualized with electron microscopy (e.g., adenoviruses, Ebola viruses, herpes viruses, SARS viruses).
- Examples of viruses illustrated in the classification include influenza, HIV, Papillomavirus, and more.
Influenza Virus
- An influenza virus contains antigenic sites on surface proteins (hemagglutinin and neuraminidase) vital for antibody recognition and neutralization when encountering influenza or influenza vaccine, preventing further infection.
Differences between Bacteria and Viruses
- Viruses are intracellular parasites, lacking ribosomes and metabolism; they rely on host cells.
- In contrast, bacteria are typically free-living, possess ribosomes, and have distinct metabolic processes.
Baltimore Classification
- This system groups viruses based on their genome type (DNA or RNA, single-stranded or double-stranded) & mRNA synthesis method.
Diversity of Viruses
- DNA viruses have structures including poxviruses, adenoviruses, herpesviruses, and more.
- RNA viruses have various structures, including coronaviruses, orthomyxoviruses, and retroviruses.
Question 2: Baltimore Classification of Influenza
- Influenza is classified as an RNA virus according to Baltimore classification.
The Infectious Cycle
- The infectious cycle encompasses all events within a virus-infected cell.
- This includes receptor binding, cell entry, viral genome replication, viral protein synthesis, and virion assembly followed by release.
Stages of Infection
- The infection process includes attachment and entry, translation, genome replication, and release phases.
Question 3 & 4: SARS-CoV-2 Entry Glycoprotein
- SARS-CoV-2 utilizes a specific glycoprotein (spike protein) and a receptor (ACE2) to enter host cells.
Viruses: Effects on Cells
- Viral infections can cause cell death (cytopathic effect), transformation into tumor cells, and persistent/latent infections.
Key Terms
- Susceptible cells have functional receptors for a specific virus.
- Resistant cells lack the necessary receptors.
- Permissive cells have the capability for viral replication.
Overview of Viral Infections
- Various viral infections impacting different parts of the human body are listed.
Viruses: Natural History of Infection
- Acute infections typically resolve swiftly, followed by immunity.
- Chronic infections persist, with either continuous viral replication or latency.
Viruses: Persistence
- Viruses may persist in host cells without causing cell death.
- The persistence occurs through integration of viral genomes into host cells, episomal circular molecules or avoidance of the host-immune system.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts in virology, including the characteristics of viruses and historic experiments involving the tobacco mosaic virus and rabies pathogen. This quiz covers foundational knowledge essential for understanding the nature of infectious agents.