Describe the life cycle of a virus.

Attachment. A virus, for example a bacteriophage attaches to the surface receptor of the host bacterial cell.Penetration. The virus injects the viral DNA genome through the cell wall and the cell membrane and into the host cell through the tail sheath. The head and other components of the virus remain outside the host cell.Biosynthesis. The viral DNA replicates and new viral proteins are made. A type of enzyme called endonuclease are also made which degrade the chromosomes of the host cell.Maturation. Replication, Transcription and Translation to create new viruses.Lysis. The cell lysis (bursts) releasing the new viruses so they can infect more host cells.

Answered by Celine A. Biology tutor

3243 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does bacteria and sewage cause the death of fish?


How does the blood move through the heart?


Why, beyond a certain point, does a higher temperature no longer correspond to a higher rate of enzyme activity?


What is osmosis?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences