Genetics of Viruses and Prions

using reverse transcription, inserts a DNA copy of its RNA genome into host, thus changing host genome, may remain latent
Enzymes: reverse transcriptase, intergrase protease
~100 nm diameter, usually 5-10kbp

changing RNA to DNA for proliferation of retroviruses and jumping of retrotransposons

associated with cancers (usually not in humans), AIDS, HIV, lentivirus, can be used as genetic vectors

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Human Imminodeficiency Virus

family of viruses, severe respiratory, 7 infect humans, 100-160 nm diameter

severe acute respiratory syndrome

middle east respiratory syndrome

severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, causes Covid 19

RNA genome, proteins involved in replication are synthesized as a part of chimeric polyprotein, and then processed, ratio between shorter and longer form of polyprotein is regulated by programmed frameshifting, viral buds from cells

retro integrates into host DNA and transmit vis body fluids, corona still has RNA and airborne transmission

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), Gerstmann- Straüssler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS), Fatal familial insomnia (FFI) in humans, kuru in humans, scrapie in sheep, mad cow disease in cattle, chronic wasting disease (CWD) in elk, deer and moose SPONGY BRAINSSSS

misfolded proteins that cause disease

prion protein (PrP) converts normal proteins (with same amino sequence) to misfold

cross-beta fibrous aggregates (amyloids)