DNA or RNA, Make Up Your Mind!
Dressed and Undressed Viruses
Enveloped Viruses: Some viruses wear a coat when leaving the host cell. This "coat" or membrane helps them connect with other cells. It's like having a smart jacket that not only looks good but helps you make friends!
This coat is made from bits of the host's own cell membrane (phospholipids) and proteins (mainly glycoproteins) from the virus itself.
Real-World Example: Influenza (flu) viruses are enveloped and use this fancy coat to infect our bodies.
Non-Enveloped Viruses: Other viruses don't bother dressing up. These are the laid-back viruses that infect mostly bacteria and plants.
Real-World Example: Many cold-causing viruses like rhinoviruses don't wear any membrane coat.
Leaving the Host – Lysis
Whether they're enveloped or not, viruses leave their host cell by bursting it open in a process called lysis. Imagine a party popper exploding, but it's a cell, and the confetti is the virus spreading!
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DNA or RNA, Make Up Your Mind!
Dressed and Undressed Viruses
Enveloped Viruses: Some viruses wear a coat when leaving the host cell. This "coat" or membrane helps them connect with other cells. It's like having a smart jacket that not only looks good but helps you make friends!
This coat is made from bits of the host's own cell membrane (phospholipids) and proteins (mainly glycoproteins) from the virus itself.
Real-World Example: Influenza (flu) viruses are enveloped and use this fancy coat to infect our bodies.
Non-Enveloped Viruses: Other viruses don't bother dressing up. These are the laid-back viruses that infect mostly bacteria and plants.
Real-World Example: Many cold-causing viruses like rhinoviruses don't wear any membrane coat.
Leaving the Host – Lysis
Whether they're enveloped or not, viruses leave their host cell by bursting it open in a process called lysis. Imagine a party popper exploding, but it's a cell, and the confetti is the virus spreading!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟