Viruses and Prions

This set of flashcards focuses on vocabulary related to viruses and prions, their structures, classifications, and interactions with host cells.

Virion

A virus particle.

Capsid

Protein coat composed of subunits called capsomeres.

Nucleocapsid

The structure consisting of the capsid and the viral nucleic acid.

Enveloped viruses

Viruses composed of a nucleocapsid surrounded by a lipid bilayer.

Lysogeny

A cycle where no new viruses are produced, and viral DNA is integrated into the host genome.

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects bacteria.

Transduction

Transfer of bacterial genetic information using bacteriophages.

Acute Infections

Short in duration, with infected cells dying during the course of the infection.

Persistent Infections

Infections where the virus is continually present and released by budding.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that encode proteins to regulate cell growth or differentiation.

Prions

Infectious particles composed only of protein that cause transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

Latent infection

An infection where the virus remains inactive within the host and can reactivate later.

Benign tumor

A tumor that remains confined to a defined region.

Malignant tumor

A tumor that spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body.

Reverse transcriptase

An enzyme used by retroviruses to convert RNA into DNA.