Viral mechanisms are capable of translocating proteins and genetic material from the cell and assembling them into new virus particles. Contemporary research has revealed specific mechanisms viruses use to get inside cells and infect them. An individual viral particle, called a virion, is a far simpler structure than a bacterium.

“Like a lock and key” — this is the description of how viruses can get into our cells. Viruses use special proteins on their surface to enter cells. They do ...

Jan 6, 2023 · In a stunning feat of microscopy, scientists have been able to produce a video showing a tiny virus circulating around cells prior to infection.

Once inside, they find a host cell to infect. For example, cold and flu viruses will attack cells that line the respiratory or digestive tracts. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, attacks the T-cells of the immune system. Regardless of the type of host cell, viruses follow the same basic steps to replicate:

After entering the body (in the case of coronavirus, this occurs through the nose, mouth, or eyes), a virus attaches itself to a host cell and inserts its genetic instructions. The virus can then hijack the host cell's functions to produce the components needed for it to create copies of itself.

Oct 15, 2020 · The viral variant that’s driving today’s pandemic is dangerous because its spike proteins can latch onto cells in the lower respiratory tract — the lung and bronchial cells — as well as cells in the heart, kidney, liver, brain, gut lining, stomach or blood vessels.

Nov 21, 2023 · Viruses recognize specific proteins or sugars on host cells and stick to them. Each virus gets only one shot at putting its genome inside a cell – if their entry machinery misfires, they risk...

This first video in a 9-part series of animations on the immune system and vaccines features a virus encountering and entering a human lung cell. We follow the virus’ journey after it enters the body through the airway and see the operatic beauty and the randomness of the virus’ path.

Feb 13, 2009 · When the influenza virus infects a host cell its goal is to produce many copies of itself that go on to attack even more cells. A viral enzyme, called polymerase, is key to this process.

Jan 10, 2025 · When a virus infects a cell, it can disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to cell death or transformation. One common outcome is apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death that can be triggered by viral infection.