What are Viruses?

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

Are viruses considered living organisms?

  • Yes
  • No (correct)

What is the primary genetic material found in viruses?

  • Both DNA and RNA (correct)
  • DNA
  • RNA

Viruses replicate outside of host cells.

False (B)

What is the primary mode of transmission for the Hepatitis A virus?

<p>Fecal-oral route</p> Signup and view all the answers

Viruses are obligate __________, depending on host cells to replicate and reproduce.

<p>parasites</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following virus types with their respective genetic content:

<p>Single-stranded DNA viruses = Picornavirus, Parvovirus Double-stranded DNA viruses = Adenovirus, Herpes virus Double-stranded RNA viruses = Reovirus Single-stranded RNA viruses = +RNA: Influenza virus, Poliovirus; -RNA: Hepatitis A virus, Rabies virus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards are hidden until you start studying

Study Notes

Characteristics of Viruses

  • Viruses are microscopic, infectious agents that replicate inside living host cells
  • They are non-living, lacking the ability to carry out metabolic processes, grow, or respond to stimuli
  • Viruses contain either DNA or RNA, protected by a protein coat (capsid)
  • Few viruses are protected by a host cell membrane
  • They are obligate intracellular parasites, depending on host cells to replicate and reproduce
  • Viruses infect specific host cells, with each virus having a specific range of host species and targeting specific cell types
  • They reproduce by attaching to host cells, penetrating the host cell membrane, replicating viral genetic particles, assembling new viral particles, and releasing new viral particles from the host cell

Classification of Viruses

  • Core content: based on the type of genetic material (ssDNA, dsDNA, dsRNA, ssRNA)
  • Shape: radial symmetry, cubical or icosahedral symmetry, rod or spiral shaped, complex
  • Mode of replication: cytoplasm, nucleus and cytoplasm, nucleus
  • Host: animal cells, plant cells, bacterial cells, insect cells
  • Mode of transmission: airborne, contaminated water/food, sexual, blood transfusion, insect bites

Additional Facts

  • Viruses exist everywhere, infect all living things, and are necessary evils in our lives
  • Viruses are not just messengers of bad news, as many do not carry any disease
  • DNA-Polyomavirus aids tracking of human migration
  • Viruses have high mutation rates and genetic recombination, impacting the effectiveness of vaccines and antiviral treatments
  • Host cells' antibodies and immune cells neutralize the virus and clear infection
  • Vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce specific antibodies against viruses without causing disease

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Discovery of Virology
15 questions

Discovery of Virology

DefeatedBlueLaceAgate avatar
DefeatedBlueLaceAgate
Viral Structure and Genome Quiz
53 questions

Viral Structure and Genome Quiz

ComfortableComprehension avatar
ComfortableComprehension
Picornaviruses: Structure and Genomic Information
12 questions
Introduction to Virology
5 questions

Introduction to Virology

IngeniousPolarBear avatar
IngeniousPolarBear
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser