Chapter 10, Problem 2CS

Summary Introduction

To determine:

In what way the virus targets the formation of host-cell Z-DNA to inhibit the antiviral protein synthesis.

Introduction:

Smallpox is a highly contagious disease that has been eradicated globally. The stored samples of smallpox, variola virus, are still under research. Human cells activate the genes that encode protective proteins to protect themselves from viruses. Recently, it has been found that the human cells produce small transitory stretches of Z-DNA against the variola virus. But the smallpox virus specifically targets the Z-DNA segments and inhibit the synthesis of the protective proteins. Thereby, the smallpox virus bypasses the cellular defence mechanism.