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BIO 112 Exam 3 Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

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Study Guide - Smart Notes

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Q1. Describe the structure of a typical virus.

Background

Topic: Virus Structure

This question tests your understanding of the basic components that make up viruses and how they differ from cellular life forms.

Key Terms:

  • Capsid: Protein shell that encloses the viral genome.

  • Genome: The genetic material, which can be DNA or RNA.

  • Envelope: Some viruses have an outer membrane derived from the host cell.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the two main components found in all viruses: the genetic material and the protein coat (capsid).

  2. Determine whether the virus has DNA or RNA as its genetic material.

  3. Consider whether the virus has an envelope, and if so, where it comes from.

  4. Think about any additional structures, such as specialized proteins, that may be present in some viruses.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. Identify which characteristics of living things viruses have, and which they lack.

Background

Topic: Characteristics of Life

This question asks you to compare viruses to living organisms by evaluating which life characteristics they possess or lack.

Key Terms:

  • Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.

  • Cell Structure: The organized structure of cells, including organelles and membranes.

  • Reproduction: The ability to produce offspring independently.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main characteristics of living things (e.g., metabolism, cellular structure, independent reproduction).

  2. For each characteristic, determine if viruses possess it or not.

  3. Consider how viruses differ from cells in terms of structure and function.

  4. Think about how viruses reproduce and whether they do so independently.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. Describe how viruses use host cells to reproduce.

Background

Topic: Viral Replication

This question focuses on the process by which viruses hijack host cells to replicate their genetic material and produce new virus particles.

Key Terms:

  • Host Cell: The living cell that a virus infects and uses for replication.

  • Genome Injection: The process of introducing viral genetic material into the host.

  • Replication Cycle: The sequence of events by which viruses reproduce inside host cells.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe how a virus attaches to a host cell and gains entry.

  2. Explain what happens when the viral genome enters the host cell.

  3. Discuss how the host cell's machinery is redirected to replicate viral components.

  4. Consider how new virus particles are assembled and released from the host cell.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. Compare and contrast the lytic and lysogenic life cycles of viruses.

Background

Topic: Viral Life Cycles

This question tests your ability to distinguish between two major types of viral replication cycles in host cells.

Key Terms:

  • Lytic Cycle: Viral replication that results in the destruction of the host cell.

  • Lysogenic Cycle: Viral DNA is integrated into the host genome and can remain dormant.

  • Prophage: Viral DNA incorporated into the host genome during lysogeny.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define the lytic cycle and describe its main steps.

  2. Define the lysogenic cycle and describe how it differs from the lytic cycle.

  3. Compare the outcomes for the host cell in each cycle.

  4. Identify any transitions that can occur between the two cycles.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. Explain how enveloped viruses can have higher reproduction and diversification rates than non-enveloped viruses.

Background

Topic: Viral Envelopes and Replication

This question explores how the presence of an envelope affects viral replication and evolution.

Key Terms:

  • Envelope: A lipid membrane surrounding some viruses, derived from the host cell.

  • Receptors: Proteins on the envelope that interact with host cells.

  • Budding: The process by which enveloped viruses exit the host cell without lysing it.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe how enveloped viruses acquire their envelope from the host cell.

  2. Explain how the envelope allows viruses to enter and exit host cells more efficiently.

  3. Discuss how this process can lead to higher rates of replication and diversification.

  4. Consider the role of envelope proteins in host specificity and immune evasion.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

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