Life Cycles of Viruses and Impacts on Hosts

This set of flashcards encompasses key terms and definitions related to the life cycles of viruses and their impact on host cells, aimed at aiding in the study of virology.

Lytic Cycle

A viral replication process that results in the destruction of the host cell and the release of new virions.

Lysogenic Cycle

A viral replication process where the viral DNA is incorporated into the host DNA and replicated along with it, without destroying the host cell.

Prophage

The form of a virus that remains dormant within a host's genome.

Generalized Transduction

A process where bacterial chromosome fragments are packed into a phage coat and transferred to another bacterium.

Specialized Transduction

The transfer of specific genes near the prophage DNA integration site to another bacterium.

Capsid

The protein shell of a virus that encases the viral genome.

Bacteriophage

A type of virus that infects bacteria.

Cytopathic Effects

The observable effects on host cells caused by viral infection, including cell death or changes in cell morphology.

Immune Evasion

Mechanisms by which viruses avoid or circumvent the host immune response.

Transmission

The process by which viruses spread from one host to another.

Antigenic Variation

Changes in virus antigens that occur during the viral replication cycle, helping the virus evade the immune system.

Viral Replication

The process by which viruses reproduce within host cells.

Inclusion Bodies

Aggregates of viral components within infected cells, often indicative of viral infection.

Viral Genome

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

Host Range

The spectrum of host cells that a virus can infect.

Viral Shedding

The release of virus particles from the host, which can facilitate transmission.