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biology unit 4 virus (help)

viral genetic material can be DNA or RNA
viral DNA acts as a template for both new viral DNA and for mRNAs needed to induce synthesis of viral protein.
what does this mean i need explanation could you please help?
i understand the mRNA part but what does it mean by new viral DNA.:frown:
Original post by daughterofaprince

Original post by daughterofaprince
viral genetic material can be DNA or RNA
viral DNA acts as a template for both new viral DNA and for mRNAs needed to induce synthesis of viral protein.
what does this mean i need explanation could you please help?
i understand the mRNA part but what does it mean by new viral DNA.:frown:


When a virus infects a cell, it hijacks the cellular machinery to make the cell produce more virus particles. These newly created virus particles are goign to be the same as the original ones infecting the cell, so they'll contain the same viral DNA as the original. This means that the original viral DNa has to be copied to create more to put into the new viruses.

That make sense?
yes but how can the viral DNA act as a template for new viral DNA. by which process the new DNA is formed? and how?:confused:
Original post by daughterofaprince

Original post by daughterofaprince
yes but how can the viral DNA act as a template for new viral DNA. by which process the new DNA is formed? and how?:confused:


Do you know how DNA is replicated ordinarily in cells?
the DNA unwinds and the bases are exposed. then complementary bases line up and hydrogen bond is formed, right.:redface:
ok i get it now thanks a lot.
(edited 12 years ago)

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