MCB 150 Discussion 13 Trivia

Front

What is reverse transcriptase and its role in HIV?

Back

Reverse transcriptase is an enzyme used by HIV to convert its RNA genome into DNA, allowing it to integrate into the host's genome. It is error-prone, leading to mutations that make vaccine development difficult.

Front

Do viruses infect only eukaryotes?

Back

No, viruses can infect both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, including bacteria.

Front

What is the function of HIV protease inhibitors?

Back

HIV protease inhibitors bind to HIV proteases, preventing them from breaking apart capsid proteins, which is essential for the virus's maturation.

Front

How is the envelope of the influenza virus obtained?

Back

The envelope of the influenza virus is obtained from the host cell when the virus buds from the plasma membrane.

Front

What happens to spike glycoproteins during HIV reproduction?

Back

Spike glycoproteins do not enter the cell with the virus; they are embedded in the viral envelope.

Front

What is the significance of viral envelopes?

Back

Viral envelopes, composed of lipids and glycoproteins, help viruses evade the host immune system and facilitate entry into host cells.

Front

What is the role of glycoproteins in viral infection?

Back

Glycoproteins on the viral surface are crucial for binding to host cell receptors, initiating infection.

Front

What is the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic viruses?

Back

Eukaryotic viruses infect eukaryotic cells (like animals and plants), while prokaryotic viruses (bacteriophages) infect bacteria.

Front

Why is it challenging to create vaccines for HIV?

Back

HIV's high mutation rate due to reverse transcriptase errors leads to diverse viral strains, complicating vaccine development.

Front

What is the role of the viral capsid?

Back

The viral capsid protects the viral genetic material and aids in the delivery of the genome into host cells.