Viruses and Their Multiplication

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the study of viruses and their multiplication.

Virus

A genetic element that can multiply only inside a living (host) cell, known as an obligate intracellular parasite.

Virology

The study of viruses.

Virion

The extracellular form of a virus, containing a nucleic acid genome and a capsid.

Capsid

The protein shell that surrounds the genome of a virus particle.

Capsomere

The subunit of the capsid, the smallest morphological unit visible with an electron microscope.

Lytic cycle

A viral replication cycle that results in the lysis and death of the host cell.

Temperate virus

A virus that can establish a long-term stable relationship with its host, capable of lysogenic cycle.

Prophage

Integrated viral DNA that is incorporated into the host cell's chromosome.

Emerging viruses

Existing viruses that suddenly become apparent, often due to mutation or cross-species transmission.

Bacteriophages

Viruses that infect bacteria, also known as phages.

Plaque assay

A method to measure virus infectivity by counting clear zones on lawns of host cells.

Nucleocapsid

The complete complex of nucleic acid and protein packaged in the virion.

Envelope

A lipid layer surrounding some viruses derived from the host cell's cytoplasmic membrane.

Virus host range

The specific types of host species that a virus can infect.

RNA replicase

An enzyme present in viruses with RNA genome that helps replicate viral RNA.

Neuraminidases

Enzymes that cleave glycosidic bonds, allowing viral liberation from the host cell.

Reverse transcriptase

An enzyme used by retroviruses to produce DNA intermediates.

Viral titer

The number of infectious units per volume of fluid.

Lysogenic cycle

A viral cycle that replicates the phage genome without destroying the host cell.

Animal virus outcomes

Possible results of viral infection of animals, including lytic, lysogeny-like, and tumorigenesis.

Vaccines

Biological preparations that provide immunity against certain viral diseases.