1. Introduction to Virology

2. Nature of Viruses
Viral genome is packaged in protein coat

3. Virus Genomes

4. Nature of Viruses Viruses need a living cell to survive
Viral genome is released inside the cytoplasm of the host cell
Virus genomes are made of DNA or RNA
Not both
Single stranded (ss) OR double stranded (ds)

5. Why Study Viruses

7. Why Study Viruses Vertebrates, prokaryotes, fungi, algae
Viruses are capable of infecting all forms of life
Vertebrates, prokaryotes, fungi, algae
Most abundant form of life
Bacteriophages are extremely abundant
Estimated 1031 tailed bacteriophages
Excellent molecular biology tools

8. Viruses And Molecular Biology
Study of viruses small DNA viruses led to discovery of promoters for eukaryotic RNA polymerases
Study of cancer producing viruses led to discovery of many cellular oncogenes
RNA splicing in eukaryotic cells was discovered by studying mRNA from DNA viruses
Understanding of cellular DNA replication was facilitated by studying phages and DNA viral replication

10. Major Virology Milestones

11. Major Virology Milestones
“Phage” group made significant discoveries/contributions to the field of molecular biology
Bacteriophages hold promise as antibiotics
Particularly in antibiotic resistant bacteria
Immune reaction to phages remains a serious obstacle
Study of tumor viruses let to a clearer understanding of cancer

12. Viruses As Vectors Viruses can be engineered to carry exogenous genes
The exogenous genes can be inserted in the host’s genome
When utilizing a virus to insert genes into a host, we refer to that virus as a Vector Virus
Vector virus hold promise as therapeutic agents
Immune response remains an issue

13. Detection And Measurement of Viruses
Plaque Forming Assay
Initially done with bacteriophages and bacteria

15. Detection And Measurement of Viruses
Hemagglutination Assay
Rapid and convenient

16. Detection And Measurement of Viruses