The Viral Life Cycle
RicochetScience・2 minutes read
Viruses hijack cells to create new viruses by targeting specific cells and replicating using the host cell's machinery. Antiviral drugs have been developed to target different stages of this process to prevent virus replication.
Insights
- Viruses are infectious particles that exploit cells to replicate, utilizing specific protein receptors on cell surfaces to infiltrate and instruct the production of new viral components.
- The comprehension of the viral replication process has facilitated the creation of antiviral medications that target distinct stages of virus reproduction, aiming to impede their ability to replicate effectively.
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What are viruses?
Infectious particles that hijack cells to reproduce.
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Summary
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Understanding Viruses: Hijacking Cells for Replication
- Viruses are infectious particles that hijack cells to produce new viruses, similar to a computer virus gaining access to a device. They target specific cells based on protein receptors on the cell surface, with the virus DNA containing simple instructions for new virus parts. Once inside a cell, the DNA is transcribed to RNA, translated into virus components, assembled into new viruses, and released from the host cell, often killing it. Some viruses retain parts of the host cell membrane as protection. Understanding this process has led to the development of antiviral drugs targeting specific stages to prevent virus replication.
