Ch 12 Viruses, Viroids, and Prions
Kelsey Pressler's Virtual Lectures・2 minutes read
Non-living pathogens like viruses, viroids, and prions cause infections in various organisms, with viruses depending on host cells for replication and differentiation based on genetic material and entry mechanisms. Prions, protein-based infectious particles, cause diseases like mad cow disease and require specialized methods like incineration for destruction.
Insights
- Viruses are acellular infectious particles smaller than bacteria, relying on host cells for replication and causing diseases like the common cold and HIV. They enter host cells through direct penetration, membrane fusion, or endocytosis, with differentiation based on genetic material and host specificity.
- Prions, protein-based infectious particles like those causing mad cow disease, are resistant to proteases and disinfectants, necessitating incineration or autoclaving for destruction. Their unique nature poses challenges in eradication compared to other non-living pathogens.
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Recent questions
What are non-living pathogens?
Viruses, viroids, and prions.
How do viruses replicate?
By relying on host cells' metabolic pathways.
What distinguishes enveloped viruses from naked viruses?
Enveloped viruses have an outer lipid membrane.
How do prions cause diseases?
By inducing spongiform encephalopathies.
What are the two replication cycles of bacteriophages?
Lytic and lysogenic cycles.
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