Microbiology: Viruses

Front

What are viruses made of?

Back

Viruses are not made of cells; they are composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.

Front

Do viruses show characteristics of living things?

Back

Yes, viruses can adapt to their environment, but they do not exhibit all characteristics of living organisms.

Front

What is the lysogenic cycle in viral reproduction?

Back

The lysogenic cycle allows viral genetic material to integrate into the host cell's DNA and remain dormant while the host cell reproduces.

Front

What type of organisms do bacteriophages infect?

Back

Bacteriophages specifically infect bacteria.

Front

What is the function of projections on the surface of a virus?

Back

The projections allow the virus to attach to a host cell.

Front

What is the difference between the lytic and lysogenic cycles?

Back

The lytic cycle results in the destruction of the host cell, while the lysogenic cycle allows the virus to remain dormant within the host.

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

Can viruses reproduce on their own?

Back

No, viruses cannot reproduce independently; they require a host cell to replicate.

Front

What is the role of viral proteins?

Back

Viral proteins help the virus to attach to host cells and facilitate the entry of viral genetic material.

Front

What is a host cell?

Back

A host cell is a living cell in which a virus can replicate and produce new virus particles.