Match each numbered term with its following description.


1. _________ uncoating
2. _________ prophage
3. _________ retrovirus
4. _________ bacteriophage
5. _________ capsid
6. _________ envelope
7. _________ virion
8. _________ provirus
9. _________ benign tumor
10. ________ cancer


A. dormant virus in a eukaryotic cell
B. a virus that infects a bacterium
C. transcribes DNA from RNA
D. protein coat of virus
E. a membrane on the outside of a virus
F. complete viral particle
G. inactive virus within bacterial cell
H. removal of capsomeres from a virion
I. invasive neoplastic cells
J. harmless neoplastic cells

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key terms related to viruses and tumors. For example, 'uncoating' refers to the process where the viral capsid is removed to release the viral genome inside the host cell.
2. Step 2: Identify the term that matches 'dormant virus in a eukaryotic cell' which is a virus integrated into the host genome but not actively replicating.
3. Step 3: Recognize that a 'retrovirus' is a virus that transcribes DNA from RNA using reverse transcriptase, which is unique among viruses.
4. Step 4: Match 'bacteriophage' to the description of a virus that infects bacteria, and 'prophage' to an inactive virus within a bacterial cell.
5. Step 5: Differentiate between structural components such as 'capsid' (protein coat), 'envelope' (membrane outside the virus), and 'virion' (complete viral particle), and distinguish between 'benign tumor' (harmless neoplastic cells) and 'cancer' (invasive neoplastic cells).

Key Concepts

Virus Structure and Components

Viruses consist of a protein coat called a capsid that encases their genetic material. Some viruses have an additional lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane. The complete infectious virus particle, including the capsid and genetic material (and envelope if present), is called a virion.

Virus Life Cycle and Latency

Viruses can enter dormant states within host cells. A prophage is an inactive viral genome integrated into a bacterial chromosome, while a provirus is a dormant viral genome in a eukaryotic cell. Uncoating is the process where the viral capsid is removed to release genetic material for replication.

Virus Types and Effects on Host Cells

Bacteriophages infect bacteria, while retroviruses use reverse transcriptase to transcribe DNA from RNA. Viruses can cause different cellular outcomes: benign tumors are harmless growths, whereas cancer involves invasive, uncontrolled cell proliferation caused by viral or other factors.