Can a gamete be a host cell for a Virus?

bonsor · 12-03-2002, 08:53 PM

My biology teacher said today that in females, the AIDS virus is contracted through the vaginal (LOL!) walls, implying that the unfertilized ovum wouldn't be affected. I don't see any reason why an ovum couldn't be a host cell, but...I'm just curious.

DeviousJ · 12-03-2002, 09:19 PM

Disclaimer: I have no idea

I don't see why not, but how long would the gamete last? And seeing as viruses generally wear down the host organism (wouldn't they kill it if it weren't from the immune system?) I don't think the child would develop far enough. If that was what you were asking. Eh, I haven't done biology in 7 years.

ZERO · 12-03-2002, 09:24 PM

ehh gametes are haploid cells. they wouldn't contain the necessary genome for the virus to penetrate and further replicate itself.

DeviousJ · 12-03-2002, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ZERO
ehh gametes are haploid cells. they wouldn't contain the necessary genome for the virus to penetrate and further replicate itself.

Thank you Doctor Science

ZERO · 12-03-2002, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeviousJ

Thank you Doctor Science

i'm not sure if that's right, but that's what i can gather about viruses and gametes

anytime Peer Editor

beef curtains · 12-04-2002, 12:02 AM

my initial answer would be yes.

HIV is host specific, not cell specific....while it may not be able to get into sperm, eggs contain all the necessary mechanisms for DNA replication. The virus wouldn't be able to spread from a specific egg as they do not divide....women are born with all their eggs.
As long as the HIV virus does recognize the receptor sites on the egg, and is compatible with a haploid organism..... uuh...

hmmm..... i dunno. then again, not all mothers with HIV transmit them to their babies.

12-03-2002, 08:53 PM	#1
bonsor Minion of Satan Location: midwest Posts: 8,771	Can a gamete be a host cell for a Virus? My biology teacher said today that in females, the AIDS virus is contracted through the vaginal (LOL!) walls, implying that the unfertilized ovum wouldn't be affected. I don't see any reason why an ovum couldn't be a host cell, but...I'm just curious.

12-03-2002, 09:19 PM	#2
DeviousJ CORNFROST Location: GUREITO DESU YO Posts: 24,891	Disclaimer: I have no idea I don't see why not, but how long would the gamete last? And seeing as viruses generally wear down the host organism (wouldn't they kill it if it weren't from the immune system?) I don't think the child would develop far enough. If that was what you were asking. Eh, I haven't done biology in 7 years.

12-03-2002, 09:24 PM	#3
ZERO Apocalyptic Poster Posts: 1,494	ehh gametes are haploid cells. they wouldn't contain the necessary genome for the virus to penetrate and further replicate itself.

12-04-2002, 12:02 AM	#6
beef curtains Immortal Location: I like me so much better when you're naked Posts: 21,752	my initial answer would be yes. HIV is host specific, not cell specific....while it may not be able to get into sperm, eggs contain all the necessary mechanisms for DNA replication. The virus wouldn't be able to spread from a specific egg as they do not divide....women are born with all their eggs. As long as the HIV virus does recognize the receptor sites on the egg, and is compatible with a haploid organism..... uuh... hmmm..... i dunno. then again, not all mothers with HIV transmit them to their babies.