Virus classification

Question 1

what are the two Virus classifications

Answer 1

1. classical

2. baltimore

Question 2

how does the classical classification system distinguish viruses.

Answer 2

viruses are grouped together based on their physical properties rather than their hosts

Question 3

what are the 4 common factors examined in classical classification?

Answer 3

1. DNA vs RNA (nature of genetic material in virion)
2. Helical or icosahedral (capsid symmetry)
3. Naked vs. enveloped
4. dimensions of the virion and capsid

Question 4

explain the baltimore classification of viruses

Answer 4

based on the central dogma of the genome. All viruses must make mRNA that then encodes for a protein. Baltimore classification classifies viruses on the pathway they use to go from thier viral genome to mRNA.

Question 5

Baltimore pathway one = herpesvirus

Answer 5

(+/-) dsDNA –> +mRNA

Question 6

Baltimore pathway two = parovirus

Answer 6

+DNA –> dsDNA –> +mRNA

Question 7

Baltimore pathway three = Reovirus

Answer 7

+/- RNA (dsRNA) –> +mRNA

Question 8

baltimore pathway 4 = picornavirus

Answer 8

+RNA –> -RNA –> +mRNA

Question 9

baltimore pathway 5 = orthomyxovirus

Answer 9

-RNA –> + mRNA

Question 10

baltimore pathway 6: retrovirus

Answer 10

+RNA –> -DNA –> dsDNA –> +mRNA