Match each numbered term with its following description.


1. _________ uncoating
2. _________ prophage
3. _________ retrovirus
4. _________ bacteriophage
5. _________ capsid
6. _________ envelope
7. _________ virion
8. _________ provirus
9. _________ benign tumor
10. ________ cancer


A. dormant virus in a eukaryotic cell
B. a virus that infects a bacterium
C. transcribes DNA from RNA
D. protein coat of virus
E. a membrane on the outside of a virus
F. complete viral particle
G. inactive virus within bacterial cell
H. removal of capsomeres from a virion
I. invasive neoplastic cells
J. harmless neoplastic cells

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the process of removing the protein coat from a virus, which is known as 'uncoating'.
2. Recognize the term for a dormant virus within a bacterial cell, which is called a 'prophage'.
3. Understand that a 'retrovirus' is a type of virus that transcribes DNA from RNA.
4. A 'bacteriophage' is a virus that specifically infects bacteria.
5. The 'capsid' is the protein coat that surrounds the viral genetic material.
6. An 'envelope' is a lipid membrane that surrounds some viruses, providing an additional layer outside the capsid.
7. A 'virion' is the complete, infectious form of a virus outside a host cell.
8. A 'provirus' refers to a dormant virus within a eukaryotic cell.
9. A 'benign tumor' consists of harmless neoplastic cells that do not invade other tissues.
10. The term 'cancer' refers to invasive neoplastic cells that can spread and damage tissues.

Key Concepts

Viral Structure

Viruses consist of several key components, including a capsid, which is the protein coat that encases the viral genetic material. The capsid is made up of protein subunits called capsomeres, and it plays a crucial role in protecting the viral genome and facilitating its entry into host cells. Some viruses also have an envelope, a lipid membrane derived from the host cell, which aids in the infection process.

Viral Life Cycle

The viral life cycle includes several stages, such as attachment, entry, uncoating, replication, assembly, and release. Uncoating refers to the process where the viral capsid is removed, allowing the viral genome to enter the host cell's machinery for replication. Understanding this cycle is essential for comprehending how viruses propagate and cause infections.

Prophage and Provirus

A prophage is a form of a bacteriophage that integrates its DNA into the bacterial genome, remaining dormant until activated. Similarly, a provirus is a viral genome that integrates into the host's DNA, particularly in eukaryotic cells. Both concepts illustrate how viruses can persist in host cells without immediately causing disease, influencing the dynamics of viral infections.