What is a provirus and how does it affect the host cell’s DNA said short
A provirus is a genetic material of a virus that has integrated into the genome of the host cell. It does not actively replicate or cause infection in the host cell. Instead, it becomes a permanent part of the host cell's DNA.
When a virus infects a host cell, it can introduce its genetic material into the cell's DNA. This integrated viral DNA is called a provirus. Once integrated, the provirus typically remains dormant and is replicated along with the host cell's DNA during cell division.
The presence of a provirus can have various effects on the host cell's DNA. It may cause mutations or alterations in the DNA sequence at the integration site, which can disrupt the normal functioning of genes in that region. The provirus may also regulate the expression of nearby genes, either by promoting or inhibiting their activity.
Furthermore, proviruses can occasionally become active and start replicating, leading to the production of new virus particles and potential re-infection. This process is called viral reactivation. Reactivation of a provirus can have detrimental effects on the host cell, resulting in various diseases or manifestations of viral infections.
In summary, a provirus is viral DNA that has integrated into the host cell's genome, and it can affect the host cell's DNA by causing mutations, altering gene expression, and potentially leading to viral reactivation.