Viruses and Their Replication - Overview of the Cirus Life Cycle

9 important questions on Viruses and Their Replication - Overview of the Cirus Life Cycle

What is the difference between a viral infection in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

In prokaryotic cells only the viral nucleic acid enters the host cell. In eukaryotic cells the entire virion is taken up.

What happens during the attachment step in the viral replication cycle?

During the attachment step, the virion enters the host cell (is absorbed).

What happens during the synthesis step of the viral replication cycle?

During the synthesis step new virus nucleic acid and proteins are made by the host cells machinery as redirected by the virus.
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What happens during the assembly step of the viral replication cycle?

During the assembly step the capsids are made and the viral genomes are packaged into new virions.

What happens during the release step of the viral replication cycle?

The new virions are released from the cell, the host cell will lyse.

What is the maturation phase?

The maturation phase begins when newly synthesized viral nucleic acid molecules become packaged inside their capsids. At the end of the maturation phase, mature virions are released, either as a result of cell lysis or by budding or excretion, depending on the virus.

What is the eclipse phase?

During the eclipse phase viruses bind and penetrate the cells.

What is the latent period?

The latent period consists of the eclipse and maturation phase.

What is burst size?

Burst size is the number of virions that are released (new virions).

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