Viruses

Are viruses cells?

No, they are acellular

What are viruses? (2)

Nucleic acids surrounded by protein

They aren’t alive

What do viruses not contain?

Plasma membrane, cytoplasm and no ribosomes

Where do viruses reproduce? (2)

They invade and reproduce inside the cells of other organisms

These are known as host cells

Attachment proteins

Bind to specifc receptor molecules on the surface of host cells

Lipid envelope (2)

Taken from the host cells own membrane (budding)

Helps the virus blend in and hide its antigens from the host cell

DNA/RNA

Carries genetic information needed to replicate virus and hijack host cell

Capsid

Protein coat that protects the viral genetic information from damage

Matrix

Forms a structural layer on the inner surface of the viral lipid envelope

Nucleoproteins

Help viruses replicate their genetic information