032 - Viruses Made Simple
032 - Viruses Made Simple
Number 32
(a) Helical Exam Hint - Some Examination Boards require you to know the
(b) Icosahedral (a icosahedron is a 20 faced solid) difference between the iytic and iysogenic cycies. It is easy to confuse
(c) Composite (having helical and polyhedral components) the names but they are two very different processes.
(b) Lysogenic replication e.g. Lambda (X.) phages Replication of animal viruses
In addition to lysis, some types of viruses can replicate by incorporating Infection of the host with an animal virus leads to a variety of effects,
their DNA into the host DNA. This type of replication is called lysogeny. including lysis of the host cell, latency (where the virus exists in cells but
A lambda phage is an example of a virus which replicates by lysis and is not replicating) and host cell transformation (a change in the structure
lysogeny. In its incorporated form, the lambda phage genome is called a or properties of the host cell), which together with genetic and environmental
prophage. Subsequently, the phage DNA is transmitted to each bacterial factors, leads to the formation of a tumor. The general life cycle of an
daughter cell as the cells reproduce. During lysogeny the phage also produces animal virus is shown in Fig 3. The virus shown is a naked capsid virus.
a protein which inhibits the lytic cycle but ensures the integration of the
phage DNA into the bacterial DNA. Under certain conditions - such as 1. Recognition and attachment (receptors on the surface of the virus
exposure to UV light - the lytic cycle of the lambda phage is initiated. UV recognise and attach to receptors on the surface of the host cell).
light stimulates the production of a bacterial cell protein which cleaves the
repressor protein produced by the phage. Since the lytic cycle is no longer 2. Penetration of the host by endocytosis.
inhibited, the viral particles are assembled and the bacterial cell lyses. Fig 2
shows a flow diagram to represent both the lytic and lysogenic cycles. 3. Uncoating of the viral genome (DNA genomes are usually transported
to the nucleus and RNA genomes usually remain in the cytoplasm).
Fig 2. The lytic and lysogenic cycles
4. Synthesis of nucleic acid and proteins (using the host cell's endoplasmic
reticulum).
5. Viral assembly.
6. Viral packaging.
Once the RNA genome and proteins have been synthesised, the protein HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus responsible for the disease
coat surrounds the newly formed nucleic acid in a self-assembly process. AIDS (Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a retrovirus which infects
Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is an example of a plant virus. Within the T-lymphocytes of the immune system (Fig 4). The virus can remain latent
plant, the TMV particles form crystalline structures and infected regions for many years before it is activated to start replicating and destroy its
become yellow (chlorotic) due to the loss of chlorophyll. The leaves of host cell. By reducing the number of T-lymphocytes, HIV weakens the
such infected plants develop characteristic mosaic patterns of chlorosis. body’s ability to fight infection. Eventually, individuals who are carrying
Ultimately, the completely assembled virus particles and any unpacked HIV succumb to a range of opportunistic infections - so called because
viral nucleic acid molecules are released as the plant dies. they usually only affect people whose immune system is weakened. AIDS
(acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name given to this collection
Plant viruses commonly cause symptoms such as leaf mosaic (yellow of unusual, opportunistic diseases.
mottling of leaves), crinkled leaves and stunted growth. The subsequent
reduction in yield is of great economic importance. Some significant examples Thus, AIDS is not a single disease, but a descriptive term for the
are outlined below (Table 1). opportunistic infections. People who develop AIDS often die from
Karposi's sarcoma, a rare cancer itself caused by a virus.
Table 1. Example of plant viruses.
Fig 4. The replication process of the HIV virus.
However, in recent years many drugs have been developed which are
selectively activated in infected cells because the viral particles convert the
drug from an inactive form to an active form. Different viruses possess
different enzymes which can activate drugs. Aciclivor - the active ingredient
in Zovirax, the cold sore cream - is a good example. The general principle Label structures a, b and c. (3 marks)
is that different viruses possess different enzymes which can activate
drugs. Thus, selectivity towards different viruses is also possible. 2. Name two features which are characteristic of all viruses. (2 marks)
However, vaccinations impose a selective pressure on viral antigens. This (b) Suggest why the virus does not replicate in the nematode worm.
leads to changes in their structure and inevitably, the formation of new viral (1 mark)
strains. New strains are also formed by mutation (a change in the structure
of the genome). Viruses such as HIV mutate and change structure very Answers
quickly and cannot therefore be treated by vaccines. Semicolons indicate marking points.
1. a - capsid/protein head;
Using viruses in the laboratory
b - helical tail;
The two most common reasons for producing a virus in large numbers
are to investigate its pathogenic (disease causing) properties or to
c - tail fibres;
study its structure closely. Most viruses are pathogenic and therefore
special conditions are needed for their use in the laboratory. Viral
2. Enclosed in capsid;
work is performed in purpose built cabinets, similar to fume cupboards,
contains nucleic acid;
and protective clothing such as safety gloves and lab coats are worn.
reproduces in other cells/host cells/parasites;
Viral culture is usually carried out by inoculating (infecting) cells kept
alive in a nutrient rich solution,usually fertile eggs or embryos. After
3. Inoculating: fertile eggs or embryo;
inoculation, the infected cells or tissues are incubated, whilst the virus
tissue cultures;
reproduces.
Equipment can be disinfected by using liquids e.g. 4. (a) Unable to penetrate cell wall/cuticle;
no enzymes;
(i) Alcohols
(ii) Phenolic compounds (b) Viruses are very specific;
Acknowledgements;
This Factsheet was researched and written by Nirinder Hunjan
Curriculum Press, Unit 305B, The Big Peg,
120 Vyse Street, Birmingham. B18 6NF
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