Chapter 1–7: Viral Culture, Growth, and Genome Integration (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapters 1–7 on viral culture, growth, cell lines, latency, oncogenesis, and related concepts.

Batch culture

A culture method where viruses are produced in an enclosed vessel of liquid medium to grow a large population for study.

Host cell

The living cell that a virus infects and uses to replicate.

Inoculation phase

Phase where the virus is recognized by host-cell receptors and enters the cell.

Eclipse phase

Period after inoculation when the virus is undetectable in the culture media.

Burst phase

Phase during which infected cells lyse and release new viral particles.

One-step growth curve

Graph showing a single viral replication cycle with four growth phases.

Rise period

Phase when viral particles begin to appear in the liquid media, ending when virions are liberated.

Birth size

Number of viruses produced per infected host cell.

Inoculate

To introduce virus into a culture of host cells for growth.

Virion

A complete infectious viral particle.

Plaque

Clear area on a lawn of host cells caused by viral lysis from progeny of a single infectious unit.

Plaque Forming Units (PFU)

Concentration of infectious viral particles estimated by counting plaques.

Plaque assay

A method to quantify viruses by counting plaques formed on a host-cell lawn.

Soft agar

Semi-solid medium used in plaque assays to restrict viral spread and form discrete plaques.

Embryonated egg

Fertilized egg used to grow certain viruses in vivo; growth signs include embryo death or damage.

Cell culture

Growth of eukaryotic cells in controlled laboratory conditions.

Monolayer

A single layer of cells grown on a surface in tissue culture.

Primary cell lines

Cell lines derived from tissue slices; finite lifespans and die after a few generations.

Continuous cell lines

Immortalized cell lines maintained for many generations; used routinely in labs.

In vivo

Growth of viruses in a whole living organism.

Acute infection

Infection with rapid onset and active viral replication.

Lytic phase

Phase of viral replication during which host cells are lysed and virions released.

Latent infection

Infection where the virus persists in the host without active replication or symptoms.

Provirus

Integrated viral genome within the host cell DNA.

Integrated viral genome

Viral genome integrated into the host genome (provirus).

Chronic infection

Infection with gradual onset and persistence, with slow or incomplete resolution.

Oncogenic virus

Virus capable of inducing cancer by altering cell growth regulation.

Transformation

Process by which a virus induces carcinogenesis in a host cell.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

An oncogenic virus that can cause warts and cancer; can have latent infection.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

Virus that integrates into the host genome and can lead to AIDS if untreated.

0.2 micrometer filter

Filter of 0.2 μm pore size used to remove larger contaminants while allowing virions to pass.

Embryonated eggs vs. cell culture

Egg-based viral growth method historically used for vaccines; largely replaced by cell culture.