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Progeny virus

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

A progeny virus is a new virus particle that has been produced by the replication cycle of an existing virus within a host cell. These particles are capable of infecting new cells and propagating the viral infection.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. A progeny virus results from the replication process initiated by a parent virus within a host cell.
  2. Progeny viruses are released from the host cell through processes such as budding or lysis.
  3. The production of progeny viruses can lead to the destruction of the host cell.
  4. Viral replication involves stages such as attachment, penetration, uncoating, biosynthesis, assembly, and release.
  5. Mutations during replication can result in variations among progeny viruses.

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