Exam 3 Micro

Genome

The complete set of genetic material present in a virus.

Host Cell Tropism

The preference of a virus for infecting specific types of host cells.

Virion

A complete virus particle that consists of the viral genetic material and a protein coat.

Viral Replication Cycle

The series of steps a virus takes to reproduce within a host cell.

Plaque Assay

A method used to measure the number of virus particles by identifying areas of cell destruction.

pfu

Plaque Forming Units, a measure of infectious virus particles.

Multiplicity of Infection (MOI)

The average number of virus particles that infect a single cell.

HBV

Hepatitis B Virus, known to cause liver infection and can lead to chronic disease.

HCV

Hepatitis C Virus, a virus that causes liver infection but has no vaccine.

Vaccine

A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.

Antigenic Drift

Small mutations in viral genes that lead to changes in surface proteins, requiring updated vaccines.

Antigenic Shift

The major change in a virus resulting from genetic reassortment, often leading to pandemics.

Hemagglutinin (HA)

A surface protein of influenza responsible for binding to host cell receptors.

Neuraminidase (NA)

A surface protein of influenza that helps in the release of new virions from infected cells.

R₀ (Basic Reproductive Number)

The average number of secondary infections produced by one infected individual in a completely susceptible population.

E6 Protein

A papillomavirus protein that degrades p53, allowing for uncontrolled cell proliferation.

E7 Protein

A papillomavirus protein that degrades pRb, driving cells into the cell cycle and promoting immortalization.

JC Virus

A type of polyomavirus that can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in immunocompromised individuals.

BK Virus

A polyomavirus associated with kidney infections and hemorrhagic cystitis in immunocompromised patients.

Human Virome

The collection of viruses present in the human microbiome, influencing health and disease.

HIV-1

Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1, the most prevalent and pathogenic strain of HIV.

HIV Capsid

The protein shell of HIV that encases the viral RNA and enzymes.

Reverse Transcriptase

An enzyme used by retroviruses like HIV to convert RNA into DNA.

Integrase

An enzyme that integrates viral DNA into the host genome.

Protease (in HIV)

An enzyme that cleaves viral proteins for maturation.

Smallpox (Variola virus)

A contagious disease eradicated through vaccination, characterized by fever and skin rash.

Herpesvirus Latency

The ability of herpesviruses to remain dormant in the body and reactivate later.

Epidemiology of Rotavirus

A significant cause of severe diarrhea in children, preventable by vaccination.

Polio Transmission

The spread of poliovirus which can lead to paralysis.

Viroplasm

A site within a host cell where viruses replicate and assemble.

Zoonosis

Diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans.

Emerging Virus

A newly discovered virus or one that is increasing in prevalence or virulence.

Congenital Zika Syndrome

A set of birth defects associated with Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

Tracing Virus Origins

The process of investigating the natural reservoirs and pathways of virus transmission.