Portage Learning BIOD 171 Module 6

QUIZ: What type of microscope would be used to study the shape of a viral capsid? ANS: Due to its size (~30-150 nm) most viral capsids must be visualized via electron microscopy. QUIZ: How does the viral envelope both aid in cell entry as well as hide it from being detected by the immune system? ANS: The viral envelope contains the necessary proteins required for interaction with host cells. As the envelope is derived from the host cell membrane, this camouflages the virus and lowers the likelihood of immune detection by making it appear similar to the normal biological host cell. QUIZ: What must happen before viral replication of its genome can occur? ANS: For all viruses, the genome is replicated following attachment and entry, never before. QUIZ: Describe the basic steps of the viral life cycle. ANS: 1. Attachment: Viral receptors bind to host proteins on the surface of the cell.2. Entry: The virus fuses with the host membrane and enters the cell3. Uncoating: (where applicable) the viral capsid disassembles4. Replication: The viral genome provides the 'blueprint' to make copies of itself5. Exit: New viruses are produced and leave the cell6. New infection: Newly produced viruses leave the host cell and go on to infect new cells. The process outlined above now restarts. QUIZ: What is a bacteriophage? ANS: A virus that infects bacteria