Viruses

• How do prokaryotic cells compare to eukaryotic cells?

  Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic cells
• Why can't viruses reproduce independently?

  They can only reproduce inside a host cell
• What is the first step in the life cycle of a virus?

  A virus particle attaches to a host cell
• What happens after a virus enters a host cell?

  The virus uses the host cell's enzymes to replicate
• What is the final step in the virus life cycle?

  Virus particles leave the host cell
• What do all viruses contain?

  Genetic material, either DNA or RNA
• What is the protein structure that contains viral genetic material called?

  Capsid
• What role do attachment proteins play in viruses?

  They allow the virus to attach to host cells
• What surrounds the capsid in some viruses?

  A lipid envelope
• What is meant by viruses being acellular?

  They are not based on cells
• Why are viruses not considered living organisms?

  They cannot reproduce on their own
• What are the common structures found in all viruses?

  • Genetic material (DNA or RNA)
  • Protein structure (capsid)
  • Attachment proteins
  • Lipid envelope (in some viruses)
• What is the life cycle of a virus?

  1. Virus attaches to host cell
  2. Virus enters host cell
  3. Virus uses host enzymes to replicate
  4. Virus particles leave host cell
  5. Virus infects new host cells