last

Virus

A microbe that lacks cellular structure and cannot reproduce independently, unlike bacteria and other microbes.

Envelope

A lipid layer surrounding some viruses, aiding in host cell entry.

Spikes

Protein structures on the surface of viruses that facilitate attachment to host cells.

Capsid

The protein shell of a virus that encases its genetic material.

Nucleic Acid

The genetic material of a virus, which can be either DNA or RNA, single-stranded or double-stranded.

Enveloped Virus

A virus that has an outer lipid membrane, which can help with cell entry.

Naked Virus

A virus without an envelope, typically more resistant to environmental conditions.

Helical Capsid

A type of capsid structure shaped like a spiral or helix.

Icosahedral Capsid

A capsid structure with 20 triangular faces, providing strength.

Complex Capsid

A unique capsid shape that doesn’t fit into helical or icosahedral categories, such as those of bacteriophages.

Endocytosis

A method for naked viruses to enter host cells by engulfing the virus.

Fusion

A mechanism for enveloped viruses to enter host cells by merging their envelope with the host's membrane.

Cell Lysis

A process where naked viruses exit the host cell by causing it to burst.

Budding

A method for enveloped viruses to leave a host cell, acquiring their membrane as they exit.

Lysogeny

A viral life cycle phase where the virus integrates its genetic material into the host's genome, allowing it to replicate along with the host.

Lytic Cycle

The viral replication process that ends in the destruction of the host cell.

Lysogenic Cycle

A dormant phase of a virus where it does not immediately kill the host cell.

Cell Culture

A laboratory method for growing viruses using cell lines derived from animal tissues.

Bird Embryos

A natural method of culturing viruses, especially those that infect avian species.

Live Animals

Using whole organisms to study viral infections and responses.

Viral Infection Diagnosis Difficulty

Challenges arise from the lack of rapid tests and the similarity of symptoms to other infections.

Herpes Virus

A type of virus that can cause various infections, including cold sores and genital herpes.

Coronavirus

A class of viruses with single-stranded RNA, helical structure, and envelope that can infect humans.

Spikes and Receptors

Proteins on the coronavirus surface that determine its ability to attach and enter human cells.

Coronavirus Classification

The categorization of coronaviruses based on their genetic and structural characteristics.

Spillover

The process whereby viruses jump from one species to another, often influenced by mutations.

Emerging Viruses Monitoring

Methods employed to track new viral strains and assess their potential health impact.

Variants

Different forms of a virus that arise due to mutations in its genetic material.

Omicron Variant

A variant of the original Covid-19 virus with several mutations that may affect transmissibility and vaccine effectiveness.