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List a few differences between phages and animal viruses.

User Aduguid
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Solution:

Remember that viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages. In effect, bacteriophages inject DNA into the host cell, while animal viruses enter by endocytosis or membrane fusion.

The differences between bacteriophages and animal viruses can be detailed in the comparison of their Multiplication Cycles:

Attachment:

For bacteriophages, tail fibers attach to cell wall proteins. Whereas, in animal viruses, the attachment sites are plasma membrane proteins and glycoproteins.

Penetration:

In bacteriophages, Viral DNA is injected into the host cell. Whereas, in animal viruses, the capsid enters by endocytosis or fusion.

Uncoating:

It is not required in bacteriophages. Whereas, in animal viruses, there is enzymatic removal of capsid proteins.

Biosynthesis:

In bacteriophages, this occurs in the cytoplasm. Whereas, in animal viruses, this process occurs in the nucleus (DNA viruses) or cytoplasm (RNA viruses).

Chronic infection:

In bacteriophages, lysogeny is generated. Whereas, in animal viruses, there is a latency or slow viral infections.

Release:

In bacteriophages, the host cell is lysed. Whereas, in animal viruses, nonenveloped viruses rupture the plasma membrane.

User Milosmns
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