How Do Viruses Cause Disease: Quizlet
Understanding How Viruses Cause Disease
Viruses are tiny infectious agents that can cause a wide range of diseases, from the common cold to life-threatening illnesses like HIV and Ebola. But how exactly do they cause disease? In this post, we’ll explore the process by which viruses infect cells, replicate, and lead to illness.
The Process of Viral Infection
When a virus enters the body, it begins by attaching itself to a host cell. This attachment is often facilitated by proteins on the surface of the virus that bind specifically to receptors on the host cell surface. Once attached, the virus injects its genetic material into the host cell and takes over the cell’s machinery to replicate.
Step 1: Attachment
The first step in the process of viral infection is attachment. This occurs when the virus binds to a specific receptor on the surface of the host cell. The receptor is often a protein that is uniquely expressed by a particular type of cell, which allows the virus to target specific cells and tissues.
Learn more about viral attachment
Step 2: Penetration
Once attached, the virus must penetrate the host cell membrane. This can occur through a process called endocytosis, where the host cell engulfs the virus in a vesicle, or by direct penetration through the cell membrane.
Learn more about viral penetration
Step 3: Replication
After penetration, the virus must replicate itself. This occurs when the virus takes over the host cell’s machinery to produce new viral particles.
Learn more about viral replication
The Consequences of Viral Replication
When a virus replicates inside a host cell, it can have significant consequences for the cell and the organism as a whole. Some of the effects of viral replication include:
Cell Lysis
When a virus replicates to high levels, it can cause the host cell to lyse (burst) releasing its contents into the surrounding tissue.
Learn more about cellular lysis
Immune System Activation
The immune system is activated in response to viral replication, leading to inflammation and the production of antibodies that can help eliminate the virus from the body.
Learn more about the immune system
Conclusion
In conclusion, viruses cause disease by attaching to host cells, penetrating the cell membrane, and replicating themselves. The consequences of viral replication can include cell lysis and activation of the immune system.
Take a quiz on how viruses cause disease with Quizlet
References:
* National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (n.d.). Viral Replication. Retrieved from
* World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). How Do Viruses Cause Disease? Retrieved from
How to Reach Xfinity Customer Service: Don’t let frustrating issues with your Xfinity service hold you back! Discover the simple steps to connect with their customer support team and get the help you need. Click to find out!
Best Gaming Headsets 2020 PC: Take your gaming experience to the next level with the best gaming headsets for PC! In this article, we’ll explore the top picks and features to help you make an informed decision. Click now to upgrade your gaming setup!
