Micro - Viruses/Immune System

Genome

single or double stranded DNA or RNA 

Capsid

protective protein shell that protects the genome

Capsomers

structural subunit that make up the viral capsid

Nucleocapsid

enhance viral transcription and assembly

Viral Envelope

lipid membrane that surrounds some viruses -- mostly those that infect animals

Attachment

initial step where virus attaches to the host cell through specific binding molecules

Penetration

process where virus enters the host cell which delivers the genetic material

Replication

replicates the virus using its genome material

Assembly

viral proteins are packed with the new viral genome within the protein shell and sometimes the envelope

Budding

enveloped viruses acquiring their lipid membrane and budding out of the host cell

Lysis

death of the host cell which releases thousands of virus particles

Antigen

foreign substance that triggers a immune response

Antibody

• protein produced by immune system in response to the antigen to fight it off 

Skin (1st line of defense)

Stratum Corneum forms a shield against invaders and secrete chemicals that kill off potential invaders

Mucus & Cilia

Trap and remove inhaled pathogens to prevent it from reaching the lungs

Saliva

Contains lyozymes which breaks down bacteria

Stomach Acid

Kills many bacteria that is consumed with food and water

White blood cells (different nucleus size)

Once the invaders in the body, the white blood cell would actively attack it

Phagocytes

Eats foreign bacteria by engulfing it and it breaks it down into lysosomes which breaks down the ingested material

T Cells

natural killer cells that will hunt and kill the pathogens

Histamine

Injured body cells release histamine which begins inflammatory response → capillaries dialate & pain receptors activate and white blood cells flock the area.

Red Blood Cell

provide oxygen to tissues & partly responsibly for recovering carbon dioxide