Viral Classification and Common DNA Viruses

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering viral classification, naked vs. enveloped release mechanisms, the viral life cycle, latency, and common DNA virus families.

Capsomeres

Proteins that make up viral capsids.

Lysis

A method of release for naked viruses where the host cell fills up with viruses and explodes.

Budding

A method of release for enveloped viruses where the virus pushes up against the cell membrane and takes an envelope with it.

Attachment (Adsorption)

The first stage of the viral life cycle where the virus binds to a specific target cell host range.

Penetration

The second stage of the viral life cycle where the virus tricks its way into or enters the host cell.

Uncoating

The step in the viral life cycle where the capsid is removed to release the viral DNA or RNA inside the host cell.

Synthesis

The stage of the viral life cycle where the host cell is forced to manufacture new virus parts.

Maturation (Assembly)

The stage of the viral life cycle where all manufactured viral components are assembled together.

Release

The final step of the viral life cycle where newly formed viruses leave the host cell via lysis or budding.

Viral Latency

A state in the viral life cycle where viral replication is paused, allowing the virus to hide inside host cells such as neurons without triggering immune system clearance.

Pox Viruses

A family of DNA viruses that cause indents on the skin, including smallpox, cowpox, and monkeypox (excluding chickenpox).

Simplex Viruses

A group of herpesviruses, including HSV-1 and HSV-2, that cause local and genital herpes and can hide in nerve cells.

Varicelloviruses

A group of herpesviruses, such as Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), that cause chickenpox and can later reactivate from the nervous system as shingles.

Cytomegaloviruses (CMV)

A common herpesvirus often acquired in childhood that is typically asymptomatic.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

A herpesvirus responsible for causing infectious mononucleosis (mono).

Papovaviruses

A family of DNA viruses, including Papillomavirus, that cause warts on skin.

Hepadnaviruses

A family of DNA viruses including Hepatitis-B, distinguishing it from other hepatitis types which are RNA viruses.

Parvoviruses

Naked viruses with a single-stranded DNA core that cause Fifth Disease in children and are vaccinated against in pets like dogs and cats.