Is there a virologist in the house? :-)
My professor is usually very good at answering questions (I had
microbiology and immunology with him before), but I couldn't get an
answer to this one:
In a recent virology lecture, we were told that the replicative cycles of
certain viruses which use host DNA dependent DNA polymerase, are
dependent on what phase the host cell is in - that if the host isn't in
S, synthesizing DNA, then the virus can't replicate. OK, I understand
that, but I'm curious: Do papovaviruses, as tumor viruses which spur
their hosts on to uncontrollable reproduction, stimulate this excessive
division in their host cells so that it will result in them (the viruses)
having plenty of DNA polymerase for themselves and their progeny viruses?
Also, (this is an afterthought), are papovaviruses ever used to create
continuous cell lines?
Thank you for your help.
Infectionately,
Yersinia.
..microcosmic.... :-)
