Question

What is the typical reproduction cycle of a DNA virus?

Answer 1

Some viruses contain DNA (double stranded or single stranded DNA) and others contain RNA viruses (double stranded or single stranded RNA). Viruses inoculate their DNA or RNA molecules into cells and these cells (by means of transcription or reverse transcription and translation) synthesize proteins for the assembly of a new virus. This synthesis is controlled by DNA or RNA molecules of the virus.

A typical virus has proteins on its capsid that bind to the outer membrane of the host cell. In the place where the virus attaches, viral proteins act to break the cell membrane and then the virus injects its DNA molecules into the host cell.

Within the host cell, the viral DNA is transcripted and messenger RNA is produced. Viral mRNA is then translated and viral proteins are made.

Viral polypeptides made within the host cell are cut by enzymes called proteases and then copies of the virus are assembled with the newly formed proteins. When the assembly of new viruses is complete, the cell membrane breaks and the viruses are released to the outside. One sole infected cell can produce hundreds of viruses.