EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -This process of host cell takeover is known as “molecular hijacking.” When a virus replicates it has to build entire viral particles and it has to not only make the proteins that comprise the viral capsid (and enclose it with an envelope), but it must also replicate its genetic material.

Detailed explanation-2: -A host cell is a cell that harbors foreign molecules, viruses, or microorganisms. It may also be a cell that has been introduced with DNA (or RNA), such as a bacterial cell acting as a host cell for the DNA isolated from a bacteriophage.

Detailed explanation-3: -Once a virus gets into a host’s body, it travels along the surfaces of cells until its proteins begin to bind with receptors on the cells. The virus and the cells then fuse, allowing the DNA or RNA inside the virus to enter the cells, where it begins to reproduce.

Detailed explanation-4: -Virus can fuse either directly to the plasma membrane (receptor-mediated fusion) or after being swallowed into an endosome. Which of these routes is followed depends on the type of virus. In fusion with the plasma membrane, the virus binds to a protein in the cell membrane.

Detailed explanation-5: -When a virus infects a host cell, it injects its DNA or RNA into the host and takes control. If the host cell makes many copies of the virus (replicates viral DNA), the new viruses explode from the cell and kill the host. The lytic cycle is characterized by viral infection, replication and cell destruction.