Viruses

Question 1

Viruses

Answer 1

Infectious particle made of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat. Non-living, can only reproduce inside a host cell

Question 2

Capsids

Answer 2

The protein shell that encloses a virus’s genetic material

Question 3

Capsomeres

Answer 3

The protein subunits that make up the capsid

Question 4

Helical/Icosahedral Viruses

Answer 4

Helical - Rod-shaped viruses
Icosahedral - Spherical viruses with 20-sided symmetry

Question 5

Envelope

Answer 5

A lipid membrane surrounding some viruses, derived from the host cell’s membrane; helps the virus enter new cells.

Question 6

Obligate Intracellular Parasites

Answer 6

Viruses must enter a living host cell to replicate and carry out functions; they cannot reproduce independently

Question 7

Bacteriophages

Answer 7

Viruses that infect and destroy bacteria; have a complex shape with a head, tail, and fibers

Question 8

Lytic Cycle

Answer 8

The phage infects the host, replicates its DNA and causes the host cell to burst (lyse), release new viruses, results in the immediate destruction of the host cell

Question 9

Lysogenic Cycle

Answer 9

The viral DNA integrates into the host’s genome and remains dormant for a time, the host cell continues to divide, passing on the viral DNA until it eventually enters the lytic phase

Question 10

Virulent Phage

Answer 10

A phage that reproduces only by the lytic cycle, always killing the host cell

Question 11

Restriction enzyme

Answer 11

bacterial enzymes thart cut up foreign DNA (like viral DNA) as a defense mechanism

Question 12

Temperature Phage

Answer 12

a phage that can alternate between the lytic and lysogenic cycles depending on conditions

Question 13

Prophage

Answer 13

Viral DNA that has been integrated into the bacterial host’s chromosome during the lysogenic cycle

Question 14

Provirus

Answer 14

Viral DNA that is integrated into a eukaryotic host’s genome and remains there permanently

Question 15

Retrovirus

Answer 15

A virus that contains RNA as its genetic material and uses reverse transpiction to make DNA

Question 16

Reverse transcriptase

Answer 16

The enzyme used by retrovirus to convert RNA into DNA, which is inserted int the host’s genome

Question 17

Pandemic

Answer 17

A global outbreak of an infectious disease that spreads across countries and continents

Question 18

Coronavirus

Answer 18

A family of enveloped RNA viruses that cause respiratory illnesses; includes the virus responsibe for COVID-19

Question 19

SARS-CoV-2

Answer 19

The specific corona virus that causes COVID-19; transmitted through airborne droplets

Question 20

Horizontal Transmission

Answer 20

Virus spreads from one cell or organism to another

Question 21

Vertical Transmission

Answer 21

Viruses passes from parent to offspring

Question 22

Prions

Answer 22

Infectious, misfolded proteins that cause degenerative brain diseases (e.g. mad cow disease); contain no nucleic acids

Question 23

Vaccines

Answer 23

Preparations that stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight a specific virus if exposed later. They train the body to destroy pathogens before infections takes hold.