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Viral Recombination

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.

Viral Structure

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.

Viral Mutations

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...

Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle

Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Among them, T-even bacteriophages, such as T4, exhibit a well-characterized lytic replication cycle in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This process ensures the rapid proliferation of the virus while ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacterial host.Attachment and DNA InjectionThe infection process begins with the recognition and binding of the T4 phage to the E. coli cell surface. Tail fibers of the phage...

Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle

Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle

The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. This process is primarily observed in temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), which infects Escherichia coli. The cycle allows the viral genome to persist across bacterial generations while keeping host cells viable.Integration of the Viral GenomeUpon infection, bacteriophage lambda attaches to the bacterial surface and injects...

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Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Using Generative Art to Convey Past and Future Climate Transitions

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Viral Detection: Past, Present, and Future.

Konstantina Katsarou^1,2, Eirini Bardani², Paraskevi Kallemi²

¹Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, GR-70013, Greece.

Bioessays : News and Reviews in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology

|August 24, 2019

Summary

This review explores viral detection methods, examining techniques for plant and mammalian viruses. It covers historical development, current strengths and weaknesses, and future cutting-edge technologies for virus identification.

Keywords:

biosensors clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)high-throughput sequencing (HTS)microscope quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)

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Area of Science:

Virology
Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Background:

Viruses, simple pathogens of nucleic acid and protein, cause significant global losses.
Understanding viral composition (nucleic acid, protein coat) is key to their study.

Observation:

Diverse viral features like shape, proteins, and nucleic acid are utilized for detection.
Historical development of viral detection techniques is crucial for context.

Findings:

This review details the evolution of viral detection strategies, focusing on plant and mammalian viruses.
It analyzes the strengths and limitations of existing detection methods.
Emerging technologies poised to impact future viral diagnostics are highlighted.

Implications:

Improved viral detection enhances disease management and prevention strategies.
Advancements in diagnostics are critical for mitigating economic and humanitarian impacts of viral outbreaks.
Future technologies promise more efficient and accurate virus identification.