Question

Viruses need a host cell to replicate but what exactly do they need from the host cell that would enable them to replicate? in microbiology

Answer 1

Viruses are obligate parasites. They need a host cell for its survival and replication. Generally, the virus consists of a genetic material either DNA or RNA which is encapsulated by a protein coat. They do not contain any cellular enzymes, ribosomes and other biomolecules needed for the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins. However, they contain genes which regulate the synthesis of enzymes needed for replication.

So, a virus need the following components from host for replication:

1. Host DNA/ RNA as a template for the synthesis of new DNA/RNA strands

2. Host DNA polymerase/ RNA polymerase for replication

3. Host proteins, ribosomes, co-factors and co-enzymes needed for transcription and translation.

4. Host lysosome to break the viral capsid which allows the release of viral DNA/RNA