DNA VIRUSES Meaning and
Definition
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DNA viruses are a type of virus that contain DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as their genetic material. DNA, the blueprint of life, is a double-stranded nucleic acid that carries the genetic instructions required for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.
DNA viruses can infect both animals and humans, causing a variety of diseases and illnesses. They are found across diverse viral families, such as Herpesviridae, Adenoviridae, and Poxviridae. These viruses have a unique life cycle, which begins with the attachment of the virus to the host cell's receptor site. Once attached, the viral DNA enters the host cell and is transported to the nucleus, where it takes control of the cell's machinery to produce viral proteins and replicate its DNA.
The replication of DNA viruses occurs in the host cell's nucleus, and this replication process is highly specific and regulated. After replication, the newly formed viral particles are assembled, and they may either cause cell lysis (cell destruction) or exit the host cell by budding, depending on the type of virus.
DNA viruses have various pathogenic effects, ranging from mild symptoms like the common cold to more severe outcomes like cancer and life-threatening infections. Examples of diseases caused by DNA viruses include cold sores, chickenpox, smallpox, hepatitis B, and various types of cancers, such as cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Recognizing and understanding the structure and behavior of DNA viruses is essential for the development of diagnostic tools, vaccines, and antiviral therapies in order to combat and control these diseases.
Common Misspellings for DNA VIRUSES
- sna viruses
- xna viruses
- cna viruses
- fna viruses
- rna viruses
- ena viruses
- dba viruses
- dma viruses
- dja viruses
- dha viruses
- dnz viruses
- dns viruses
- dnw viruses
- dnq viruses
- dna ciruses
- dna biruses
- dna giruses
- dna firuses
- dna vuruses
- dna vjruses
Etymology of DNA VIRUSES
The etymology of the word "DNA viruses" can be traced back to the scientific understanding of the structure and function of viruses.
The term "DNA" is an abbreviation for "deoxyribonucleic acid", which is a molecule that carries genetic information in most living organisms. It was coined by Dr. Phoebus Levene, a Russian-American biochemist, in 1909. The name reflects the discovery of a unique type of acid found in the nuclei of cells, which was later identified as the carrier of genetic information.
The term "viruses" originates from Latin and refers to "poison" or "slimy liquid". The word was first used in the late 18th century to describe infectious agents that cause diseases in living organisms. The concept of viruses as distinct entities separate from bacteria and other microorganisms was not fully understood until the late 19th century.
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