Question

24. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single stranded positive sense RNA. Enveloped virus using this information List and briefly describe or draw out and label the steps in the entire viral replication cycle of HCV.

Answer 1

There are 8 stages in the hepatitis C viral life cycle.

STAGE 1

HCV makes itself a home in a liver cell.The virus is covered with a coating that contains specific proteins. These proteins locate and attach to an element on the surface of the liver cell called a receptor.The receptor receives signals for the liver cell..

STAGE 2

The virus enters the liver cell's outside barrier. The barrier then surrounds the virus,swallows it up, and bring it into the cell.

STAGE 3

The virus coating breaks down.Viral RNA carrying genetic information is released into liver cells.This may happen when the virus penetrates the outer barrier.It could also be due to liver enzymes dissolving the cell.

STAGE 4

The viral RNA prepares to reproduce.It mimics our liver cell's RNA and begins producing its RNA materials.It may also prevent the liver cell from functioning properly. Sometimes the viral RNA causes the liver cells to reproduce,too.

STAGE 5

Viral RNA constructs a template for replicating itself. The viral RNA is cloned over and over to create new viruses.

STAGE 6

The virus's coating is made of different protein based coverings.These are developed by ribosomes, or cell protein builders, during this stage and released.

STAGE 7

Protein units called capsomeres come together and form new particles around the viral RNA.These make a covering shaped like a sphere, known as capsid. The capsid protects the virus's genetic material.

STAGE 8

In the final stage, the new virus create a bud itself inside.A protective coating surrounds inside the bud. It is released through the barrier of the liver cell,ready to infect another of your liver cells.This process continues until the infected liver cell dies.