key term - Virology

Definition

Virology is the study of viruses and virus-like agents, including their classification, structure, replication, and effects on host organisms. It plays a crucial role in understanding infectious diseases, vaccine development, and antiviral therapies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that require a host cell to replicate.
2. The basic structure of a virus includes genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid; some viruses also have an outer lipid envelope.
3. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms such as bacteria and archaea.
4. The lytic cycle and lysogenic cycle are two major viral replication strategies, with the lytic cycle leading to cell destruction and the lysogenic cycle integrating the viral genome into the host DNA.
5. Vaccines have been developed for many viruses, such as influenza and measles, by utilizing weakened or inactivated forms of the virus or its components.

Review Questions

Related terms

Bacteriophage:

A type of virus that specifically infects bacteria.

Capsid:

The protein shell that encases the genetic material of a virus.

Lysogenic Cycle:

A viral replication process where the viral genome integrates into the host DNA without immediately destroying the host cell.