A virus will replicate within a host cell.
It is called a host cell. The virus attaches to the cell and injects its DNA into the cell. The virus's DNA overruns the "instructions" that the cell has and "tells" the cell to make copies of the virus using the DNA. Then the cell makes so many copies of the virus, that it explodes. The new viruses then go on to attach to other cells.
This is the host (organism) and the cell is called the host cell.
The cell invaded by the virus is called a host cell because it provides the environment and resources necessary for the virus to replicate and multiply. The virus uses the host cell's machinery to produce more viruses, ultimately leading to the destruction of the host cell.
A virus is not alive so it is unable to reproduce on its own. It must have a living cell to "hijack" and "live in" so it can take over the cell and turn it into a virus making factory. The cell provides the "raw materials" and the energy to make the replicants. In biology, a host is the animal or plant on which or in which another organism lives. The animal or plant that gets hijacked in this way by a virus is, therefore, called the host. That term is also used to describe those who receive guests in their home or hotel, etc. The biological use of the word host may have some relationship to that particular meaning of the word.
A single cell virus particle is called a virion. It consists of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat.
A virus outside a host cell is generally referred to as a virion. This is the inactive form of the virus that is unable to replicate until it enters a suitable host cell.
A virus the immediately takes over a cell's functions is an active virus. An active virus causes the host cell to make new viruses, destroying the host cell.
This process is called lysis, where the virus hijacks the host cell's machinery to replicate and then destroys the cell to release new virus particles. This causes the spread of the infection to neighboring cells.
A virus which invades a cell can be said to be virulent. One that causes the host cell to immediately produce virus' particles and lose it's ability to live is said to be a lytic virus. A virus that remains "silent" for awhile is called a lysogenic virus.
A virus can conduct genetic engineering by using it to insert a gene into a cell. The virus containing the gene is called a vector. By changing the cell, you can introduce to other cells.
A virus
No where. A virus is not a cell.