Skip to main content
Back

Viruses definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/15
  • Capsid
    Protein shell enclosing genetic material, often with helical or icosahedral geometry, providing structure and protection.
  • Envelope
    Phospholipid bilayer surrounding some viral capsids, derived from host membranes, aiding in host cell entry.
  • Bacteriophage
    Virus specialized to infect bacteria, often used as a model in studies of viral life cycles.
  • Lytic Cycle
    Viral process resulting in new particle production and host cell destruction, releasing virions.
  • Lysogenic Cycle
    Viral process where genetic material integrates into host genome, remaining dormant until reactivated.
  • Prophage
    Integrated viral DNA within a bacterial genome during lysogenic cycle, capable of later activation.
  • Provirus
    Integrated viral DNA within a eukaryotic host genome, allowing for potential gene expression and reactivation.
  • Plaque Assay
    Laboratory method to quantify viruses by counting clear zones formed by infected, lysed cells in a culture.
  • Retrovirus
    Enveloped RNA virus using reverse transcription to integrate its genome into host DNA, enabling gene manipulation.
  • Reverse Transcription
    Process converting RNA into DNA, essential for retroviral genome integration into host chromosomes.
  • Viroid
    Small, circular infectious RNA molecule in plants, interfering with protein function by binding and blocking activity.
  • Prion
    Infectious, abnormally folded protein causing diseases like mad cow disease, resistant to destruction by cooking.
  • Virion
    Complete, infectious viral particle released from host cells, capable of initiating new infections.
  • Receptor
    Host cell surface protein recognized by viruses, facilitating viral attachment and entry.
  • Helical Shape
    Capsid structure characterized by a spiral arrangement of protein subunits around the viral genome.