Viruses 4 - Jones

Front

What is a virus?

Back

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism.

Front

How do viruses enter host cells?

Back

Viruses enter host cells by attaching to specific receptor sites on the cell membrane, often using spike proteins.

Front

What is the role of spike proteins in viruses?

Back

Spike proteins help viruses attach to and enter host cells by binding to specific receptors.

Front

What happens to a virus once it enters a host cell?

Back

Once inside, a virus releases its genetic material (DNA or RNA) into the host cell.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA viruses?

Back

DNA viruses contain DNA as their genetic material, while RNA viruses contain RNA.

Front

What is viral replication?

Back

Viral replication is the process by which a virus makes copies of itself inside a host cell.

Front

What is a receptor site?

Back

A receptor site is a specific location on a cell's surface where molecules, such as viruses, can bind.

Front

Why do humans have receptor sites that viruses can use?

Back

Humans have receptor sites for other biological functions, and some viruses have evolved to exploit these sites.

Front

What is the immune response to a viral infection?

Back

The immune response involves the activation of immune cells and the production of antibodies to fight off the virus.

Front

What is the purpose of vaccines in relation to viruses?

Back

Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses without causing the disease.