Viruses make more viruses by:
How Do Viruses Reproduce? Nucleic acids (DNA & RNA) are blueprints; instructions for building proteins. Protein being built from amino acid building blocks.
1. inserting their genetic material into a host cell 2. having the cell read the viral genetic instructions and manufacture the raw materials to build copies of the virus - cell makes copies of the viral genetic instructions - cell makes viral proteins from the viral genetic instructions
3. The viral parts and pieces self-assemble and then exit the host cell. 3. The viral parts and pieces self-assemble and then exit the host cell.
Image: Transcription Translation, National Institute of General Medical Sciences
3. The viral parts and pieces self-assemble and then exit the host cell.