1st Edition
by Phoebe Lostroh (Author)
Viruses interact with host cells in ways that uniquely reveal a great
deal about general aspects of molecular and cellular structure and
function. Molecular and Cellular Biology of Viruses leads
students on an exploration of viruses by supporting engaging and
interactive learning. All the major classes of viruses are covered, with
separate chapters for their replication and expression strategies, and
chapters for mechanisms such as attachment that are independent of the
virus genome type. Specific cases drawn from primary literature foster
student engagement. End-of-chapter questions focus on analysis and
interpretation with answers being given at the back of the book.
Examples come from the most-studied and medically important viruses such
as HIV, influenza, and poliovirus. Plant viruses and bacteriophages are
also included. There are chapters on the overall effect of viral
infection on the host cell. Coverage of the immune system is focused on
the interplay between host defenses and viruses, with a separate chapter
on medical applications such as anti-viral drugs and vaccine
development. The final chapter is on virus diversity and evolution,
incorporating contemporary insights from metagenomic research.
Key selling feature:
- Readable but rigorous coverage of the molecular and cellular biology of viruses
- Molecular mechanisms of all major groups, including plant viruses and bacteriophages, illustrated by example
- Host-pathogen interactions at the cellular and molecular level emphasized throughout
- Medical implications and consequences included
- Quality illustrations available to instructors
- Extensive questions and answers for each chapter
