IntroToVirologyLec.1-KeanUniversity.pptVIP

Introduction to Virology 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) Why Study Viruses 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 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 Detection And Measurement of Viruses * Nature of Viruses Viral genome is packaged in protein coat Virus Genomes Major Virology Milestones 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 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 Detection And Measurement of Viruses Plaque Forming Assay Initially done with bacteriophages and bacteria Detection And Measurement of Viruses Hemagglutination Assay Rapid and convenient * * *