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Introduction to Virology

Introduction to Virology. Nature of Viruses. Viral genome is packaged in protein coat. Virus Genomes. Nature of Viruses. Viruses need a living cell to survive Viral genome is released inside the cytoplasm of the host cell Virus genomes are made of DNA or RNA Not both

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Introduction to Virology

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  1. Introduction to Virology

  2. Nature of Viruses Viral genome is packaged in protein coat

  3. Virus Genomes

  4. Nature of Viruses • Viruses need a living cell to survive • Viral genome is released inside the cytoplasm of the host cell • Virus genomes are made of DNA or RNA • Not both • Single stranded (ss) OR double stranded (ds)

  5. Why Study Viruses

  6. Why Study Viruses • Viruses are capable of infecting all forms of life • Vertebrates, prokaryotes, fungi, algae • Most abundant form of life • Bacteriophages are extremely abundant • Estimated 1031 tailed bacteriophages • Excellent molecular biology tools

  7. Viruses And Molecular Biology • Study of viruses small DNA viruses led to discovery of promoters for eukaryotic RNA polymerases • Study of cancer producing viruses led to discovery of many cellular oncogenes • RNA splicing in eukaryotic cells was discovered by studying mRNA from DNA viruses • Understanding of cellular DNA replication was facilitated by studying phages and DNA viral replication

  8. Major Virology Milestones

  9. Major Virology Milestones • “Phage” group made significant discoveries/contributions to the field of molecular biology • Bacteriophages hold promise as antibiotics • Particularly in antibiotic resistant bacteria • Immune reaction to phages remains a serious obstacle • Study of tumor viruses let to a clearer understanding of cancer

  10. Viruses As Vectors • Viruses can be engineered to carry exogenous genes • The exogenous genes can be inserted in the host’s genome • When utilizing a virus to insert genes into a host, we refer to that virus as a Vector Virus • Vector virus hold promise as therapeutic agents • Immune response remains an issue

  11. Detection And Measurement of Viruses • Plaque Forming Assay • Initially done with bacteriophages and bacteria

  12. Detection And Measurement of Viruses • Hemagglutination Assay • Rapid and convenient

  13. Detection And Measurement of Viruses

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