What is the life cycle of smallpox?

Answer 1

Smallpox reproduces unlike many other linear, double stranded DNA viruses. It has a unique protein called DNA dependent RNA polymerase. This protein enables smallpox to reproduce just as DNA does in protein synthesis. The RNA polymerase transcribes and translates the DNA of the virus using its own machinery, allowing the virus to reproduce and spread throughout the cell.

Answer 2

There are two forms of the smallpox virus and both work in much the same way. They virus invades a cell where it begins to multiply. Once it multiplies, it releases a protein which binds to the cell where it fuses, making it difficult for the immune system to kill it. All this takes place during the incubation time of two to three days.

Answer 3

Smallpox has a two-week incubation period followed by a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms. A skin rash then develops, progressing from macules to papules to pustules, which eventually scab over and fall off. Patients are contagious until the last scab falls off, which occurs about three weeks after the rash first appears.