Virus 101

Study Notes

Understanding Viruses: Properties, Classification, and Transmission

Viruses are tiny infectious agents, ranging from 30nm to 200nm in size.
Viruses are not living things but are complicated assemblies of molecules that require living cells to multiply.
When a virus enters a cell, it directs the production of new viruses.
Viruses can be classified into enveloped and non-enveloped viruses based on the presence or absence of a membrane surrounding the nucleocapsid.
Enveloped viruses have a membrane composed of lipids and proteins similar to the host membrane, whereas non-enveloped viruses have a protein shell called the capsid surrounding the nucleic acid core.
The capsid provides shape and symmetry to the virus particle and protects the viral nucleic acid against environmental fluctuations.
The viral genome can be either DNA or RNA and contains the instructions to make more viruses.
Viruses have a host range and tissue specificity, meaning they can only infect certain organisms and specific cell types or tissues within the host.
Virus transmission occurs when viruses are transmitted from an infected individual or reservoir to a susceptible host.
Many animal viruses only infect specific cell types or tissues within the hosts due to the presence of protein spikes on the envelope that specifically bind to receptor molecules on these cells.
Examples of viruses with a broad host range include rabies and influenza A viruses, while poliovirus only infects humans.
Enveloped viruses can lose their infectivity if the envelope is destroyed, and many contain protein spikes that facilitate host cell entry.

Description

Test your knowledge on the properties, classification, and transmission of viruses in this informative quiz. From the difference between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses to understanding viral genomes and host ranges, this quiz covers it all. Whether you're a student of microbiology or simply curious about the world of infectious agents, challenge yourself with questions on viral transmission and protein spikes. Take this quiz and expand your understanding of viruses today!