Microbiology: Viruses and Prions

These vocabulary flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to viruses and prions in microbiology.

Virus

A biological agent that reproduces inside the cells of living hosts.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Capsid

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

Inert

Incable of movement or activity, referring to particles that cannot reproduce independently.

Synthesize

To produce something through chemical or biological processes.

Phage

A virus that infects bacteria.

Intracellular

Existing or occurring within a cell.

Microscope

An instrument used for viewing very small objects.

Transmission electron microscope

A type of microscope that uses a beam of electrons to create an image of a specimen.

Bacteriophage

A type of virus that specifically infects bacteria.

Enveloped virus

A virus that is surrounded by a lipid membrane derived from the host cell.

Non-enveloped virus

A virus that lacks a lipid envelope and is usually more resistant to environmental conditions.

Double-stranded DNA

DNA consisting of two strands that form a double helix structure.

RNA virus

A virus that has ribonucleic acid (RNA) as its genetic material.

Glycoprotein

A protein with sugar molecules attached, often involved in cell recognition.

Virion

The complete virus particle that consists of the viral genome and the capsid.

Lytic cycle

A viral reproductive cycle that results in the destruction of the host cell.

Prophage

The viral DNA that is integrated into the host cell's genome during a lysogenic cycle.

Lysogenic cycle

A viral replication cycle in which the virus does not immediately kill the host cell.

Oncogene

A mutated gene that has the potential to cause cancer.

Tumor suppressor gene

A gene that regulates cell division and suppresses cell growth, preventing tumor formation.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body.

Transduction

The process of transferring genetic material from one bacterium to another by a virus.

Proto-oncogene

A normal gene that can become an oncogene due to mutations.

Cytopathic effect

The observable effects of viral infection on a host cell.

Viral replication

The process by which a virus makes copies of itself inside a host cell.

Zoonotic disease

A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Arbovirus

A virus transmitted by arthropod vectors.

Repressor

A protein that inhibits gene expression.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

A degenerative neurological disorder caused by prions.

Kuru

A prion disease transmitted through cannibalism, characterized by tremors and mental impairment.

Infectious agent

Any pathogen that can cause disease, including viruses, bacteria, and prions.

Proteins

Large biomolecules composed of amino acids that perform many functions within organisms.

Antigen

A substance that induces an immune response, such as a virus or a part of a virus.

Capsid proteins

Proteins that make up the protective outer shell of a virus.

Viral envelope

A lipid layer that surrounds some viruses, derived from the host cell membrane.

Gene therapy

An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.

Cell division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Cellular machinery

The various components within a cell that facilitate its functions, including protein synthesis.

Infection cycle

The series of events that occur from viral entry into a host to viral release.

Viral taxonomy

The classification of viruses based on their shared characteristics.

Bacterial cell wall

A rigid structure that provides structural support and shape to bacterial cells.

Phagocytosis

The process by which a cell engulfs and digests particles or pathogens.

Induced mutation

A change in DNA caused by external factors, such as chemicals or radiation.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy

A type of prion disease characterized by brain degeneration and spongy tissue.

Surface receptors

Molecules on the surface of cells that help in recognizing and binding to viruses.