A tiny, nonliving particle that invades and then reproduces inside a living cell.
Virology
the study of viruses and viral diseases
Host Cell
Living cell in which a virus can actively multiply or in which a virus can hide until activated by environmental stimuli
Viral DNA
Nucleic acid that contains the information for reproducing the virus
Capsid
Outer protein coat of a virus.
Viral Sheath
Helps inject the DNA
Lytic Cycle
A type of viral (phage) replication cycle resulting in the release of new phages by lysis (and death) of the host cell.
Lysogenic Cycle
A phage replication cycle in which the viral genome becomes incorporated into the bacterial host chromosome as a prophage and does not kill the host.
Viral Attachment
This occurs when the virus attaches to its host. This is the moment in which the virus recognizes the host as a cell to infect and will inject viral DNA or RNA into the host.
Viral Penetration
Viral genetic material enters host cell
Viral Assembly
Genetic material surrounded by a protein coat
Viral Biosynthesis
Parts of the virus are made.
Viral Lysis
When a viral infected cell bursts and releases large amounts of organic matter.
Viral Maturation
A process that takes place after separation of the viral infectious particle from host cell by budding or sealing of spherical capsid.
Viral Duplication
The viral DNA hides in the host DNA and replicates with the host in stealth.
Viral Trigger
A condition in the host cell causes the viral DNA to activate into the lytic cycle. This can be caused by hormones or physical factors.
Herpes
A viral infection causing small painful blisters and inflammation, most commonly at the junction of skin and mucous membrane in the mouth or nose or in the genitals.
HIV
A virus that attacks and destroys the human immune system.