Table of Contents
What is it called when viruses exchange genes?
Transduction is the process by which a virus transfers genetic material from one bacterium to another. Viruses called bacteriophages are able to infect bacterial cells and use them as hosts to make more viruses.
How is a gene inserted into a virus?
Certain viruses are often used as vectors because they can deliver the new gene by infecting the cell. The viruses are modified so they can’t cause disease when used in people. Some types of virus, such as retroviruses, integrate their genetic material (including the new gene) into a chromosome in the human cell.
What is the difference between recombination and reassortment?
Reassortment only occurs in segmented RNA viruses, whereas recombination stricto sensu occurs in virtually all RNA viruses. The formation of a hybrid RNA sequence after inter-molecular exchange of genetic information between two nucleotide sequences results specifically from the latter.
Do viruses swap DNA?
Recombination: viruses swap chunks of genetic material (DNA or RNA).
How big are viruses compared to bacteria?
Size. Bacteria are giants when compared to viruses. The smallest bacteria are about 0.4 micron (one millionth of a meter) in diameter while viruses range in size from 0.02 to 0.25 micron.
What is the only way a virus can reproduce?
A virus is a tiny, infectious particle that can reproduce only by infecting a host cell. Viruses “commandeer” the host cell and use its resources to make more viruses, basically reprogramming it to become a virus factory. Because they can’t reproduce by themselves (without a host), viruses are not considered living.
Can viruses recombine?
Genetically, however, viruses have many features in common with cells. Viruses are subject to mutations, the genomes of different viruses can recombine to form novel progeny, the expression of the viral genome can be regulated, and viral gene products can interact.
What causes antigenic drift to occur in viral infections?
Infectious Diseases Antigenic drift: A subtle change in the surface glycoprotein (either hemagglutinin or neuraminidase) caused by a point mutation or deletion in the viral gene. This results in a new strain that requires yearly reformulation of the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Do viruses evolve yes or no?
Likewise we probably all realize that viruses evolve over time. We need to get a flu vaccine every year primarily because the influenza virus changes, or evolves, from one year to the next (Nelson & Holmes 2007). Viruses do not, however, carry out metabolic processes.
Are viruses considered living?
Viruses are not living things. Viruses are complicated assemblies of molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, but on their own they can do nothing until they enter a living cell. Without cells, viruses would not be able to multiply. Therefore, viruses are not living things.