When a virus takes over cell what part of the cells functions?
When virus takes over a cell, it subverts various cellular functions to its advantage. Here are the key cellular functions that are affected by a viral infection:
- DNA or RNA replication: Viruses often hijack the host cells replication machinery to make copies of their own genome instead of the host's genetic material.
- Protein synthesis: The virus may use the host cell's protein synthesis apparatus to produce viral proteins, which are essential for the assembly of new virus particles.
- Cellular metabolism: Viruses can alter the host cell's metabolism to support their own replication. For example, some viruses induce the cell to produce more energy in the form of ATP, which the virus requires for its replication cycles.
- Cell signaling pathways: Viruses can manipulate cell signaling pathways to evade the immune system or create a favorable environment for their replication. They may activate or inhibit specific signaling pathways to their advantage.
- Membrane fusion and release: Some viruses use the host cell's membrane fusion mechanisms to exit infected cells and spread to neighboring cells. This can disrupt the integrity of the host cell membrane and compromise cellular functions.
- Immunomodulation: Viruses have evolved strategies to evade the host's immune responses. They can produce proteins that interfere with immune recognition, suppress immune cell activity, or even stimulate the immune system to their own advantage.
- Cell death: Viral infection can lead to cell death through various mechanisms, including apoptosis (programmed cell death) or necrosis (unregulated cell death). The extent and type of cell death depend on the virus type and host cell response.
By altering cellular functions, viruses essentially reprogram the host cells to serve their own replication and transmission needs. Understanding these alterations help scientists develop antiviral therapies that target specific viral functions and protect host cells from damage.