VIRUS RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Virus receptors are specific molecules or structures present on the surface of host cells that serve as the attachment sites or gateways for viruses to enter and infect the cells. These receptors are essential for viral attachment, entry, and subsequent replication within the host organism.
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that lack the necessary cellular machinery to reproduce on their own. Hence, they must rely on host cells to replicate and cause infection. Virus receptors play a crucial role in this process by facilitating the initial attachment of viruses to the surface of target cells. They are typically proteins or glycoproteins found on the plasma membrane or specific organelles of host cells.
The specificity of virus-receptor interactions is critical for determining tissue tropism, host range, and the organ systems that viruses can infect. Different viruses have evolved to recognize and bind specific receptors, and the presence or absence of these receptors on the target cells determines whether a particular virus can gain entry to the cell and initiate the infection.
Once the virus attaches to the receptor, it triggers a series of events that allow for viral entry into the host cell, such as fusion of the viral envelope with the cell membrane or endocytosis. These events ultimately lead to the release of the viral genetic material or entire viral particles into the host cell, initiating the replication cycle.
Understanding the nature and characteristics of virus receptors is crucial for developing antiviral strategies, including the design of vaccines and therapeutic agents that can disrupt virus-receptor interactions or target the cellular machinery employed by viruses during the infection process.
Common Misspellings for VIRUS RECEPTORS
- cirus receptors
- birus receptors
- girus receptors
- firus receptors
- vurus receptors
- vjrus receptors
- vkrus receptors
- vorus receptors
- v9rus receptors
- v8rus receptors
- vieus receptors
- vidus receptors
- vifus receptors
- vitus receptors
- vi5us receptors
- vi4us receptors
- virys receptors
- virhs receptors
- virjs receptors
- viris receptors
Etymology of VIRUS RECEPTORS
The term "virus receptors" is formed by combining two words: "virus" and "receptors".
1. Virus: The word "virus" originates from the Latin word "virus", which means "poison" or "venom". It was used in the late 14th century to refer to a venomous substance or poisonous liquid. Over time, the term began to refer to any contagious or infectious agent capable of causing disease.
2. Receptors: The word "receptor" comes from the Latin word "receptor", meaning "receiver" or "agent that receives". It was used in the late 16th century to describe an organ or cell that responds to stimuli from outside the body. In the context of virology, receptors are proteins present on the surface of host cells that viruses bind to and use as entry points to infect the cell.
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