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Ch. 33 - Viruses
Freeman - Biological Science 8th Edition
Freeman8th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9780138276263Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 33, Problema 4

What features distinguish the seven major categories of viruses?

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Understand that viruses are classified into seven major categories based on the Baltimore classification system, which is determined by their type of genetic material and replication strategy.
Step 1: Identify the type of nucleic acid in the virus. Viruses can have either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, and this is the first distinguishing feature.
Step 2: Determine whether the nucleic acid is single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds). This is another key feature that helps classify the virus.
Step 3: For RNA viruses, assess whether the RNA is positive-sense (+) or negative-sense (-). Positive-sense RNA can be directly translated into proteins, while negative-sense RNA must first be converted into a complementary strand.
Step 4: Consider whether the virus uses reverse transcription. Some viruses, like retroviruses, use reverse transcriptase to convert RNA into DNA, which is then integrated into the host genome.
Step 5: Combine these features to place the virus into one of the seven categories: dsDNA viruses, ssDNA viruses, dsRNA viruses, (+)ssRNA viruses, (-)ssRNA viruses, RNA reverse-transcribing viruses, or DNA reverse-transcribing viruses.

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Virus Classification

Viruses are classified into categories based on various criteria, including their genetic material (DNA or RNA), structure (enveloped or non-enveloped), and replication method. The seven major categories include DNA viruses, RNA viruses, retroviruses, and others, each with distinct characteristics that influence their behavior and interaction with host cells.
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Virus Replication

Viral Structure

The structure of a virus is crucial for its classification and function. Viruses typically consist of a nucleic acid core surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid, and some have an additional lipid envelope. The arrangement of these components can vary significantly among the seven categories, affecting how viruses infect host cells and evade the immune system.
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Viral Genetics

Host Range and Tropism

Host range refers to the variety of hosts that a virus can infect, while tropism indicates the specific types of cells or tissues within a host that a virus targets. Understanding these concepts is essential for distinguishing between virus categories, as different viruses have evolved to infect specific hosts and cell types, influencing their pathogenicity and transmission.
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