INTRODUCTION

TO VIRUSES

Ellan Joy T. Mandario

College of Fisheries
Mindanao State University-General Santos
Virus
• Sub microscopic entity consisting of a
single nucleic acid surrounded by a protein
coat and capable of replication only within
the living cells of bacteria, animals or
plants
• Virus Latin for Poison
• Non-cellular particle with
• DNA or RNA
• 1 or 2 Protein Coats (Capsids)
•M a y h a v e Vi r a l E n v e l o p e -
Phospholipids
• DO NOT respire or grow
• ONLY function in a living cell
• NOT given Latin names like living
organisms
• (rabies virus) (polio virus)
• (adenovirus=adenoid tissue) a
 Viral Structure
• Subunit- single folded polypeptide chain

• Structural unit (protometer, asymmetric unit) - unit from which the capsids or
nucleocapsids are built; one or more subunits

• Capsid (Capsa Latinn for box)- protein shell surrounding genome

• Nuclecapsid (core)- nuliec acid protein acid assembly within vision

• Envelope (viral membrane) - host cell-derived lipid bilayer

• Virion - infectious viral particle

 Viral Properties
• Most viruses range in sizes from 20 – 250 nm

• Viruses are inert (nucleoprotein ) filterable Agents

• Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites 


Virion Structure
 Virion Structure
• Varies in size, shape and symmetry
• Highly important for classification
• 3 types of capsid symmetry:
– Cubic (icosahedral) – Helical

– Complex
Virion Structure
Functions of Virion Proteins
Protection of the genome
• Assembly of a stable, protective protein shell
• Specific recognition and packaging of the nucleic acid genome
• Interaction with host cell membranes to form the envelope

Delivery of the genome

• Bind host cell receptors
• Uncoating of the genome
• Fusion with cell membrane
• Transport of genome to the appropriate site
Reproduction Cycles
 How do Viruses Replicate?
• The lytic cycle:
1- absorption/attachment
2- injection/entry
3- replication of viral parts
4- assembly
5- release by lysis

• Results in death of host cell

• Virulent virus (only lytic cycle)
Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle
 Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle

• First steps just like lytic!!

• Does NOT destroy the host cell
• Nucleic acid joins the cell’s
DNA. Viral DNA becomes a
part of hosts cell DNA
(prophage)
• Could go on for years
• Temperate virus (capable of
using the lytic and lysogenic
cycles)
• i.e. HIV, cold sores, shingles
Lysogenic Cycle
Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle
Both Cycles Together
 Types of Viruses
• Animal viruses: Rabies, Polio, Mumps, Chicken pox,
Small pox, and Influenza.
• Plant Viruses: Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Banana
streak virus, Carrot thin leaf virus
• Bacterial Virus: Bacteriophages ( T1, T2, T3, and T4.)
• SPECIFIC in what type of cell and what type of
organism they infect
• Polio – human nerve cell
• T4 – only certain strains of E. coli
 Different Types of Viruses

• ADENOVIRUS

• Respiratory infections; colds

Polio
 Influenza Virus

• Virus that causes the flu

Small Pox
TMV
 Retroviruses
• RNA viruses that contain reverse transcriptase

• This enzyme allows RNA to produce DNA

• HIV is an example of the virus

Viruses: Living or Not?