Molecular virology
Molecular Virology is a subfield of virology that focuses on the study of viruses on a molecular level. It involves the exploration of the structure and function of viruses, as well as the interactions between viruses and host organisms at the molecular level.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Molecular virology uses techniques and methods from molecular biology to understand the structure, function, and mechanisms of viruses. It seeks to understand the nature of viruses, how they replicate, how they infect cells, and how they evade the host's immune system.
Virus Structure[edit | edit source]
Viruses are composed of a nucleic acid core, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat known as a capsid. Some viruses also have an outer envelope made of lipids. The nucleic acid carries the genetic information of the virus, while the capsid protects the nucleic acid and aids in the infection of host cells.
Virus Replication[edit | edit source]
The replication of viruses involves several steps: attachment, penetration, uncoating, replication, assembly, and release. The virus first attaches to a host cell, then penetrates the cell and uncoats its genetic material. The viral genetic material then uses the host cell's machinery to replicate itself. The newly formed viral particles are then assembled and released from the host cell.
Virus-Host Interactions[edit | edit source]
Molecular virology also studies the interactions between viruses and their host organisms. This includes how viruses evade the host's immune system, how they cause disease, and how the host's immune system responds to viral infection.
Molecular Virology Techniques[edit | edit source]
Techniques used in molecular virology include polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, electron microscopy, and crystallography. These techniques allow scientists to study the structure and function of viruses, as well as their interactions with host cells.
See Also[edit | edit source]
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Virus
- Nucleic Acid
- Capsid
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sequencing
- Electron Microscopy
- Crystallography
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