Chapter 13: Viruses, Viroids, & Prions

These flashcards cover key terms and their definitions related to viruses, viroids, and prions, which are critical for understanding the subject in Chapter 13.

Virus

Genetic information (DNA or RNA) contained within a protective protein coat, classified as acellular and inert outside of cells.

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects bacteria, useful as a model for studying interactions with hosts.

Virion

An infectious virus particle consisting of nucleic acids.

Capsid

The protein coat of a virus, made of subunits called capsomeres.

Nucleocapsid

The structure formed by the capsid and the nucleic acid inside.

Spikes

Protein structures on the surface of some viruses that facilitate attachment to host cell receptors.

Lytic Cycle

The viral replication cycle in which the virus lyses and destroys the host cell to release new virus particles.

Lysogenic Cycle

The cycle where the viral genome integrates into the host's genome and can remain dormant.

Prophage

Viral DNA that has integrated into the bacterial chromosome.

Oncovirus

A virus that can cause cancer in humans.

Prion

An infectious protein that causes fatal neurodegenerative diseases.

Viroid

Extremely small, circular pieces of RNA that cause diseases in plants.

Tissue Tropism

The preference of a virus to infect specific cell types.

Acute infection

A viral infection characterized by rapid onset and short duration.

Persistent infection

A long-term viral infection that may or may not present symptoms.

Cytopathic effect

Distinct morphological alterations in host cells caused by viral replication.