Viruses and Prions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to viruses and prions, helping students review important concepts for their upcoming exam.

Virus

An infectious particle consisting of genes packaged in a protein coat.

Capsid

The protein shell that encloses the viral genome.

Prophage

The integrated viral DNA in the bacterial chromosome during the lysogenic cycle.

Lytic Cycle

The phage replication cycle that culminates in the death of the host cell.

Lysogenic Cycle

The phage replication cycle that allows the viral genome to be incorporated into the host's chromosome without destroying the host.

Obligate Intracellular Parasite

A virus that can only replicate within a host cell.

Emerging Viruses

Viruses that suddenly become apparent, such as HIV and COVID-19.

Glycoprotein

A protein that has carbohydrate groups attached, found on the viral envelope that helps in binding to host cell receptors.

Vaccine

A harmless version of pathogenic microbes that stimulates the immune system to mount defenses.

Prions

Infectious proteins that cause degenerative brain diseases.

RNA polymerase

An enzyme that transcribes proviral DNA into RNA molecules in the host cell.

Viral Genome

The genetic material of a virus, which may be either DNA or RNA.

Reverse Transcriptase

An enzyme used by retroviruses to copy their RNA genome into DNA.

Host Range

The range of host species that a virus can infect.

Helical Virus

A virus with a rod-shaped capsid, exemplified by the tobacco mosaic virus.

Icosahedral Virus

A virus with a spherical, multi-faceted capsid structure.

Temperate Phage

A phage that can reproduce by both the lytic and lysogenic cycles.