Beyond Single Cell: Viruses, Viroids and Lichens

May 28, 2024 207 0

Cellular classification provides a framework for understanding life, but exceptions exist. This section explores viruses and viroids, entities blurring the lines between living and non-living. Viruses, obligate parasites, require a host cell for replication, while viroids, even simpler, are infectious RNA molecules dependent on plants.

Deviation from Basic Cell Types

  • Virus(means poisonous fluid): These are obligate parasites inert outside their specific host cell.
  • Virions: The main difference between a virus and a virion is that a virus is the nucleoprotein particle, whereas a virion is the active, infectious form of the virus.
  • Viroids: These are infectious agents that consist only of naked RNA without any protective layer, such as a protein coat.
    • These infect plants (but no other forms of life) and are replicated at the expense of the host cell.
    • Viroid genomes are small single-stranded circles of RNA that are only 250–400 bases long.
  • Lichens: Lichens are symbiotic associations (mutually useful associations) between algae and fungi.
    • The algal component is known as phycobiont, and the fungal component is mycobiont, which are autotrophic and heterotrophic, respectively.
    • Algae prepare food for fungi, and fungi provide shelter and absorb mineral nutrients and water for their partners.
    • Lichens are very good pollution indicators- they do not grow in polluted areas.

Difference between Positive-sense single-stranded and Negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses

Positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus Negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus
  • In the host cell, the positive-sense RNA of these viruses is directly translated into viral proteins.
  • Their RNA is 5’ to 3’, the same as the host mRNA.
  • Since the host ribosome moves from 5’ to 3’ for translation, the positive-sense single-stranded RNA is directly used for protein synthesis.
  • These viruses contain negative-sense RNA as genetic material.
  • Their RNA is not readable by the host ribosome.
  • First, the negative-sense RNA (3’ to 5’) is converted into positive-sense RNA (5’ to 3’) by virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
  • The positive-sense RNA then functions as mRNA and is translated into protein by the ribosome.

 

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Conclusion

Beyond single cells, fascinating partnerships emerge. Lichens, a symbiotic association of algae and fungi, exemplify this intricate dance. Understanding these deviations from basic cell types broadens our knowledge of the diverse and interconnected web of life on Earth.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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