Viruses Vocab

Consist essentially of a core of RNA or DNA surrounded by a protein coat; unable to replicate without a host cell; and not considered living organisms.

• capsid

• virus

• lytic

• lysogenic

Cycle ultimately results in destruction or lysis of the host cell once the virus has penetrated and taken over the cell’s machinery to make more viruses. Symptoms of illness will most likely be present.

• lytic

• lysogenic

• HIV

• influenza

Penetrates the host cell and inserts its DNA code into that of the host cell without destroying it. Symptoms of illness during this cycle usually are not present.

• lytic

• lysogenic

• capsid

• virus

A RNA retrovirus; infects and destroys vital cells of the human immune system, such as helper T cells (CD4+ cells). It causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

• influenza

• capsid

• HIV

• cold

The flu or grippe; highly infectious respiratory disease; attacks cells in the upper respiratory tract, causing typical symptoms such as fatigue, fever and chills, a hacking cough, and body aches.

• capsid

• HIV

• lysogenic

• influenza

The outer protein coat of a mature virus

• virus

• lytic

• capsid

• lysogenic