Viruses are cellular pathogens that cannot replicate on their own and requires the metabolism of any host's cell. This reproductive cycle of a virus differs from species to species and categories. Still, there are six stages of virus replication that are common in every species.
Stage 1: The proteins present on the capsid of the virus's surface interacts with specific receptor cells on the host's surface. This process is called Attachment, and it determines the tropism of a virus.
Stage 2: Attachment to a receptor may induce mandatory changes in the capsid's proteins, resulting in the fusion of both membranes. This process is called Penetration. Few DNA-based viruses may enter the host's cell through other mediums too. Like, receptor endocytosis.
Stage 3: The capsid is now removed and disintegrated by enzymes released by nucleic acid. This process is hence called Uncoating.
Stage 4: After Uncoating, the replication phase of the virus gets initiated. This stage of virus replication differs between DNA and RNA-based viruses. This process is an important step and is called Replication.
Stage 5: After Replicating the viral gene, proteins get packed with the newly created genome. It gets replicated into two virions, ready to be released from the host's cell. This process is called Maturation or Assembly.
Stage 6: There are two ways for the virion release, either by budding or lysing. Lysis causes the death of the infected host's cell. Such viruses are named cytolytic, for example, smallpox. Now, Budding is the process that results in the snatching of the viral lipid. Such viruses do not kill the infected host's cell and are cytopathic, for example, the influenza virus.
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