Virus Basics
What type of microscope is needed to see most viruses?
Electron microscope
What happens to the host cell during the lytic cycle?
It bursts and dies
What type of cell are bacteria?
Prokaryotic
What type of reproduction do bacteria mainly use?
Binary fission
What process converts atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates?
Nitrogen fixation
What two components make up a virus?
DNA or RNA and a protein capsid
What is the name of viral DNA integrated into bacterial DNA?
Prophage
What bacterial structure is used for movement?
Flagella
What is transferred during conjugation?
Genetic information/plasmid DNA
What type of bacteria break down dead organisms?
Saprophytes/decomposers
What is the protein coat surrounding viral genetic material called?
Capsid
Which viral cycle can remain inactive for generations?
Lysogenic cycle
What is the function of pili?
Attachment and conjugation
What structure allows bacteria to survive harsh conditions?
Endospore
What is a pathogen?
A disease-causing agent
Why are viruses considered parasites?
They require a host cell to reproduce
What enzyme allows retroviruses to convert RNA into DNA?
Reverse transcriptase
What polysaccharide is found in eubacterial cell walls?
Peptidoglycan
What term describes bacteria that require oxygen?
Obligate aerobes
How do vaccines help protect against disease?
They stimulate immune memory and antibody production
Why are antibiotics ineffective against viruses?
Viruses are non-cellular and antibiotics target bacterial cell processes
Explain one major difference between the lytic and lysogenic cycles.
Lytic destroys host immediately; lysogenic integrates into host DNA and remains inactive
What is the function of a bacterial capsule?
Protection from dehydration and immune attack
Why can bacterial populations grow so quickly?
Rapid binary fission under ideal conditions
Compare how antibiotics and vaccines work.
Antibiotics kill bacteria; vaccines prepare the immune system to recognize pathogens