However antigenic a foreign molecule/substance may be, to be immunogenic and qualify to be called an actual antigen to the extent of eliciting the host’s immune system to mount a specific immune response or attack, antigens must meet certain criteria that actually make them eligible immunogens (i.e. B cell and T cell activators). The immune […]
CHARACTERISTICS OF ANTIGENS Read More »
Immunology & Immune System
Due to the critical role of microscope in microbiological and other biomedical researchers, it is very important that microscopes (which allow us to see microorganisms distinctly) are cautiously used and preserved in order to ensure their continued usage and value during laboratory undertakings. Microscopes (whether electron or compound light) are required for the visualization of
CARE OF THE MICROSCOPE Read More »
Microscopy & Microscope
There abound several numbers of microscopes that can be used by a microscopist to view specimens or samples and microorganisms in the laboratory. The choice of the microscope to be used is usually dependent on the task to be performed by the user and, on the type of specimen or microorganism to be investigated. Normally,
TYPES OF MICROSCOPES Read More »
Microbe Lab, Microscopy & Microscope, Techniques in Microbiology Lab
The microscope has various parts that perform specific function; and it is important that scientists and students acquaint themselves of these components and their functions in order to make optimum use of the equipment (Figure 1). An understanding of the different parts of the microscope is vital for the proper use of the apparatus in
FUNCTIONS OF THE PARTS OF A MICROSCOPE Read More »
Techniques in Microbiology Lab, Microbe Lab, Microscopy & Microscope
DNA viruses have only the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules as their nucleic acid; and the DNA can either be double-stranded or single-stranded as the case may be. The replication site of all DNA viruses is the nucleus of their host cell. Nevertheless, Poxviruses (which are also DNA viruses) replicate outside the nucleus of their host
Replication is defined as the process in which a cell divides to make copies of its genome or itself. Cell division or replication in viruses is different from what is obtainable in other microbes such as bacteria that mainly replicates by binary fission. Replication in viruses only occurs inside a suitable host, and in such
REPLICATION IN VIRUSES – viral replication Read More »
Virology
As shown in Figure 1 above, a virion is composed mainly of three parts viz: the nucleic acid genome (DNA or RNA); the capsid or nucleocapsid; and the envelopes which surround the capsid or protein coat. The nucleic acid genome of a virus or virion can assume any of the following genetic composition: Viruses assume
MORPHOLOGY OF VIRUSES Read More »
Virology
Viruses are infectious agents that have a simple acellular structure that is mainly made up of a protein coat or capsid and a nucleic acid genome which can either be DNA or RNA. Some viruses also have envelopes (which are lipid-containing outer membranous layer that surround the nucleocapsid in some viruses) while others lack them,
VIRAL COMPOSITIONS Read More »
Virology
Several reasons exist for the inactivation of viruses I either to use them for a useful purpose such as in studying varying properties or to inactivate and attenuate their pathogenicity or virulence so that they do not cause harm to a living host including humans, animals and plants. Some of the major reasons for inactivating
METHODS USED FOR THE INACTIVATION OF VIRUSES Read More »
Virology
Viruses have several physicochemical properties including pH, molecular size or mass, stability to heat and susceptibility to organic solvents such as ether and other physical or chemical agents that may affect their proper development and replication. They react to various chemical and physical factors in their environment. These factors inclusive of chemical and physical factors
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF VIRUSES Read More »
Virology