Definitions (Virus)

VIRUS

Virology: The branch of microbiological science which deals with the study of viruses is called virology.

Virus: Virus is a sub-microscopic obligatory parasite that can reproduce or multiply within the living cells only.

Bacteriophage virus: The virus that infects and destroys bacteria is called bacteriophage virus.

Capsid: The structure that covers the genetic material or the nucleic acid of the virus is called capsid.

Host specificity: The special property of a parasite by which it infects only a particular type of a host is called host specificity.

Acquired immunity: It is defined as the immunity acquired by an individual during his/her life.

Vector: The insects which carry the diseases are called vectors.

Incubation: The time between the entry of the virus into the body (infection) and the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease is called incubation period.

RNA virus: The virus which contains ribonucleic acid as a genetic material is called RNA virus.

DNA virus: The virus which contains deoxyribonucleic acid as a genetic material is called DNA virus.

Retrovirus: Any virus that has RNA as its genetic material and is involved in making DNA from RNA is called retro virus.

AIDS: A disease in which body’s immune system breaks down and is unable to fight off infections and other illness that take advantage of weakened immune system.

Rabies: It is a very dreadful disease transmitted to humans through saliva of rabid animals.