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What is the main characteristic that defines viruses as acellular entities?
Viruses do not have a cellular structure and lack most components of cells, such as organelles and ribosomes.
What components typically make up a virion?
A virion consists of a nucleic acid core, a capsid (outer protein coating), and sometimes an outer envelope made from host cell membranes.
What are the two main types of genetic material found in viruses?
Viruses contain either RNA or DNA as their genetic material.
What is the primary method of viral reproduction known as?
Lytic infection, where a virus penetrates the host cell, replicates, and causes the cell to lyse.
Define persistent infection in terms of viral behavior.
A persistent infection occurs when a virus remains in the host without being completely cleared, potentially causing no immediate harm.
What is the difference between latent and chronic viral infections?
Latent infections are dormant with occasional reactivation, while chronic infections are ongoing and can lead to long-term illness.
Why do antibiotics not work on viruses?
Antibiotics target cellular structures and functions of bacteria, which viruses lack.
What are some examples of DNA viruses?
Adenovirus and Herpes virus are examples of double-stranded DNA viruses.
What are the main categories of antiretrovirals?
Different classes target various stages of the HIV life cycle.
What common viral disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus?
Oral and genital herpes.
Identify one mechanism that allows HIV to maintain chronic persistence in the host.
HIV can prevent expression of viral antigens on the surface of infected cells.
What type of virus is a bacteriophage?
A virus that specifically infects bacterial cells.
How are viruses classified based on their core content?
Viruses can be classified as DNA viruses or RNA viruses.
What are the common symptoms of viral diseases?
Flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, and headache.
List some viral diseases that have a significant socioeconomic impact.
AIDS, Ebola, Influenza, and SARS.
What role does the host cell play in viral propagation?
The virus uses the host cell's metabolic machinery to replicate its genetic material.
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