Question

microbiology

BIO 3302 Assignment 2-Virus Replication 1. Describe the general structural features of virus 2. What type of genomic materials are contained in a virus? 3. What is the functional role of Spike proteins in a virus? 4. Describe in summary the multiplication cycles of animal viruses.

Answer 1

1 ans: viruses are small obligate intracellular parasites. It contain either a RNA or DNA genome surrounded by a protective ,virus coded protein coat . The viral genome ,often with associated basic proteins is packaged inside a symmetric protein capsid. all viruses contain the two components. 1. a nucleic acid genome and 2. a protein capsid that covers the genome . together this called the nucleocapsid . In addition many animal viruses contain a 3. Lipid envelope. all viruses have a capsid or head region that. Contains it's genetic material.the capsid is made of proteins and glycoproteins. Capsid construction varies greatly among viruses,with most being specialized for a particular virus's host organism.some viruses , mostly of the type infecting animals, have a membranous envelope surrounding their capsid . This allows viruses to penetrate host cells through membrane fusion. The virus's genetical material rests inside the capsid .that material can be either DNA,RNA or even in some cases a limited number of enzymes.