Provirus
Provirus
A Provirus (/proʊˈvaɪrəs/) is a virus genome that is integrated into the DNA of a host cell. In the case of bacterial viruses (bacteriophages), proviruses are often referred to as prophages. However, it is important to note that proviruses are distinctly different from prophages in their genetic structure and process of replication.
Etymology
The term "provirus" is derived from the Latin prefix "pro-", meaning "before", and the word "virus". This is in reference to the provirus' state before it is activated and begins to replicate.
Replication
A provirus does not directly produce viral particles. Instead, it is passively replicated along with the host genome and passed on to the original cell's offspring; all descendants of the infected cell will also bear proviruses in their genomes. This state can last for many host cell generations.
Activation
Certain stimuli will trigger the provirus to undergo lytic replication. This process involves the transcription of the proviral DNA into messenger RNA by the host's RNA polymerase, which is then translated into viral proteins by the host's ribosomes. These proteins go on to assemble new virions.
Related Terms
- Virus: A small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism.
- Genome: The genetic material of an organism.
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, a molecule composed of two chains that coil around each other to form a double helix carrying genetic instructions.
- Bacteriophage: A type of virus that infects bacteria.
- Prophage: A bacteriophage (often shortened to "phage") genome inserted and integrated into the circular bacterial DNA chromosome or existing as an extrachromosomal plasmid.
- Lytic Replication: The process of viral replication that results in the destruction of the infected cell.
- RNA Polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.
- Ribosome: A complex molecular machine, found within all living cells, that serves as the site of biological protein synthesis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Provirus
- Wikipedia's article - Provirus
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