Compare and contrast a provirus and viral DNA.
A provirus is viral DNA incorporated into the host cell’s DNA.
A provirus is newly replicated viral DNA after injection.
A provirus is the host cell’s DNA that has been destroyed.
A provirus is bacterial DNA incorporated into the viral DNA.
A provirus is viral DNA incorporated into the host cell’s DNA, while viral DNA refers to the genetic material of a virus. Here are the similarities and differences between a provirus and viral DNA:
Similarities:
1. Both a provirus and viral DNA contain the essential genetic information required for the replication and functioning of a virus.
2. Both a provirus and viral DNA can be transcribed and translated to produce viral proteins.
Differences:
1. Integration: A provirus is integrated into the host cell's DNA, whereas viral DNA remains as a separate entity within the viral particle.
2. Status within the host cell: A provirus lies dormant within the host cell's DNA and can be activated to produce new viruses, while viral DNA is actively involved in viral replication and functioning.
3. Infection mode: A provirus is established after the viral DNA is inserted into the host cell's genome, typically through a process called integration, while viral DNA is introduced into a host cell during the process of viral infection.
4. Stability: A provirus becomes a permanent part of the host cell's genome and can be inherited by daughter cells, while viral DNA does not integrate into the host cell's genome and can be lost after the completion of the viral life cycle.
5. Function: A provirus acts as a long-term reservoir for viral genetic material, allowing the virus to persist within the host cell, while viral DNA is responsible for encoding the necessary proteins and genetic material for viral replication and infection.