Viral Replication Clinical Microbiology Review 278
TERM EXPLANATION
Adsorption
Penetration
Uncoating
Eclipse/synthesis
Maturation/release
Attachment of virus to host cell receptor.
Virus enters host cell by direct penetration, endocytosis (entering in a vacuole), or fusion with cell membrane.
Loss of capsid. Genome enters cytoplasm (most RNA viruses) or nucleus (most DNA viruses).
Eclipse: several hr during which virions can’t be detected. Synthesis: mRNA is produced. Directs synthesis of viral
particles.
Genetic material assembled into protein coat. Virions migrate to cytoplasmic membrane. Released by budding off,
leaking out, or lysing host cell with enzymes.
