Virus Assembly, Release, and Maturation

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the topics of virus assembly, release, and maturation, focusing on key concepts and definitions from the lecture.

Capsid

The protein shell that encases and protects the viral nucleic acid genome.

Nucleocapsid

The combination of nucleic acid and protein, forming the viral core.

Selective Packaging

The process by which viruses incorporate their genomic material into assembling particles, distinguishing it from host cellular nucleic acids.

Budding

The process by which enveloped viruses acquire their membrane by protruding through the host cell membrane.

ESCRT pathway

A cellular machinery involved in the process of dividing and releasing enveloped viruses from the plasma membrane.

Scaffolding Proteins

Proteins that assist in the assembly of viral structures and are removed before the virus matures.

Concerted Incorporation

A mechanism where the viral genome is packaged together with the assembly of the capsid.

Proteolytic Processing

A maturation step involving the cleavage of polyproteins into functional viral proteins.

Virological Synapse

A specialized area allowing direct transfer of viruses from one infected cell to another, avoiding exposure to the immune system.

Virus-Like Particles (VLPs)

Structures resembling viruses but lacking viral genomic material, often used in vaccines.