Recording-2025-03-06T15:35:32.339Z

Definition of a Virus

• A virus is an intracellular parasite, meaning it can only reproduce and carry out its functions within a host cell.

• Outside a host cell, a virus is in a dormant state and cannot perform any biological processes.

Mechanism of Action

• Viruses rely entirely on host cells for their proliferation and survival.

• The virus enters a host cell and modifies the cell’s functions by using its own genetic material.

  • This modification involves the virus taking control of the host's cellular machinery.

• The host cell then follows the instructions encoded in the viral genetic material, essentially turning the cell into a factory for producing new viral particles.

  • This process involves a series of steps including attachment, entry, replication, assembly, and release of new viruses.