"Viral replication is the formation of biological viruses during the infection process in the target host cells."
The steps involved in the multiplication of a virus inside a host cell, from attachment and entry, to replication, assembly and release.
Viral Entry: The process by which the virus gains entry into the host cell.
Attachment: The point of contact where the virus first touches the host cell.
Fusion: The mechanism that the virus uses to enter the host cell by fusing with the cell membrane.
Endocytosis: The process by which the virus is engulfed by the host cell and enters the cell by traveling through endosomes.
Uncoating: The process by which the virus releases its genetic material after entering the host cell.
Replication: The process by which the virus replicates its genetic material and makes copies of itself.
Transcription: The process by which the viral genetic material is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which serves as a blueprint for making viral proteins.
Translation: The process by which the mRNA is translated into viral proteins.
Assembly: The process by which the viral proteins and genetic material are assembled into new virions (infectious particles).
Budding: The process by which the new virions are released from the host cell and the cycle begins anew.
Lytic Cycle: In the lytic cycle, the virus enters a host cell, replicates its DNA or RNA, and then uses the host cell's machinery to produce new virus particles. The host cell eventually lyses (bursts), releasing the virus particles to infect other cells.
Lysogenic Cycle: In the lysogenic cycle, the virus incorporates its DNA or RNA into the host cell's genome, becoming a "silent" part of the host cell. The virus can remain in this state for many years, until certain triggers cause it to start replicating, leading to the lytic cycle.
Retroviral Cycle: Retroviruses are RNA viruses that convert their RNA into DNA using a specialized enzyme called reverse transcriptase. The resulting viral DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome, and can remain there indefinitely. HIV is an example of a retrovirus.
Budding: In the budding cycle, the virus particles are released from the host cell by budding through the cell membrane. This process does not immediately kill the host cell, and can lead to long-term infections.
Assembly: In the assembly cycle, the virus capsid (outer shell) is assembled within the host cell, using components produced by the virus and the host cell.
Fecal-oral cycle: In this cycle, the virus is transmitted through fecal matter, often in contaminated food or water. The virus replicates in the cells of the digestive tract, and is shed in the feces.
Respiratory cycle: In the respiratory cycle, the virus is transmitted through air droplets, such as those produced by coughing or sneezing. The virus replicates in the cells of the respiratory tract, and is shed through coughing and sneezing.
Sexual cycle: In the sexual cycle, the virus is transmitted through sexual contact, either through bodily fluids or direct skin-to-skin contact. The virus replicates in the cells of the genital tract, and is shed in bodily fluids.
Vector-borne cycle: In the vector-borne cycle, the virus is transmitted through an insect or animal vector, such as a mosquito or tick. The virus replicates within the host and is then transmitted to another host when the vector bites again.
Zombie cycle: In the zombie cycle, the virus infects the host and reprograms it to behave in ways that promote the spread of the virus. The virus does not necessarily kill the host, but may cause it to act aggressively or erratically, increasing the likelihood of transmission.
"Viruses must first get into the cell before viral replication can occur."
"Through the generation of abundant copies of its genome and packaging these copies, the virus continues infecting new hosts."
"Replication between viruses is greatly varied and depends on the type of genes involved in them."
"Most DNA viruses assemble in the nucleus."
"Most RNA viruses develop solely in the cytoplasm."
"The formation of biological viruses during the infection process in the target host cells."
"Viruses must first get into the cell before viral replication can occur."
"The virus continues infecting new hosts through the generation of abundant copies of its genome and packaging these copies."
"Replication between viruses is greatly varied and depends on the type of genes involved in them."
"Most DNA viruses assemble in the nucleus."
"Most RNA viruses develop solely in the cytoplasm."
"The formation of biological viruses during the infection process in the target host cells."
"Viruses must first get into the cell before viral replication can occur."
"The virus continues infecting new hosts through the generation of abundant copies of its genome and packaging these copies."
"Replication between viruses is greatly varied and depends on the type of genes involved in them."
"Most DNA viruses assemble in the nucleus."
"Most RNA viruses develop solely in the cytoplasm."
"The formation of biological viruses during the infection process in the target host cells."
"Viruses must first get into the cell before viral replication can occur."