Question

Viral replication requires a temporal (timed) and ordered set of events to occur.
For latent viruses, briefly discuss what happens during the three major events that occurs during the eclipse phase of the latent period, AND, why it is important that these 3 specific events occur in a temporal and ordered manner.

Answer 1

Eclipse phase is 1/2 or 3/4 of latent period. During eclipse period infection is occcuring but no mature progeny is found in infected cell. No phage particles are detected during this period

The following events occurs in eclipse phase : infection and adsorption; uncoating, and finally injection and synthesis of DNA and protein coat

1.Virus first binds and penetrates in the cell. (Infection and Adsorption)

2. Then virus gets disassembled in the cell (uncoating)

3. Components parts gets synthesized ( i.e., DNA and protein synthesis).

These events occurs in ordered manner as virus uses host machinery. It's genes are expressed in temporal sequence to ensure that dna replication, production and it's assembly occurs in orderly fashion.