A microscopic infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of organisms, often causing diseases in plants, animals, and humans.
A biological agent, such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus, that causes disease or illness in its host.
The complete set of genetic material (DNA or RNA) present in a virus, containing instructions for the virus’s structure, function, and replication.
The living cell invaded and used by a virus for replication. The virus hijacks the host cell’s machinery to reproduce itself.
The protein coat that surrounds and protects the genetic material of a virus, providing structural integrity.
A lipid bilayer that surrounds some viruses, derived from the host cell membrane during the viral exit process, contributing to the virus’s structure.
A type of RNA virus that can reverse transcribe its RNA into DNA, integrating the genetic material into the host cell’s genome. HIV is an example of a retrovirus.
A molecule, usually a protein or carbohydrate, on the surface of a virus that triggers an immune response in the host organism.
The body’s defense mechanism against viruses and other pathogens, involving the activation of immune cells and the production of antibodies.
Proteins produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a virus, which can neutralize or tag the virus for destruction.