Fundamentals of Microbiology

1.5.5 Multiplication of Animal viruses

The process is essentially the same as that of bacteriophages. Animal viruses attach to the plasma membrane of the host cell and penetration occurs by endocytosis. Animal viruses are uncoated by either viral or host cell enzymes. The DNA is released into the nucleus of the cell, where several copies of DNA are synthesized. Capsid protein is synthesized in the cytoplasm. (DNA viruses include members of the families Adenoviridae, Poxviridae, Herpesviridae etc.) Multiplication of RNA viruses (Picornaviridae, Rhabdoviridae, Togaviridae) occurs in the cytoplasm of the host cell.

After maturation, viruses are released. One method of release is budding. Naked viruses are released through ruptures in the host cell membrane.