basic virus infomation Flashcards
what is a virus?
A virus is an infectious agent made up of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a protein coat called capsid.
do viruses have organelles?
no nucleus, no organelles, no cytoplasm, or cell membrane.
are viruses multi cellular, unicellular or non cellular?
Viruses are non cellular. they only hold either DNA or RNA.
are viruses parasites?
yes. Viruses are parasites. An organism that depends entirely upon another living organism (a host) for its existence in such a way that harms that organism.
what is a bacteriophage? what makes them special.
A bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria (bacteria is the host). they only infect bacteria.
what is a non viral particale?
a non viral particle Has protein only, no DNA or RNA (cause of mad cow disease, creutzfeldt-jakob disease in humans - prions ) affects the brain and is always fatal)
are viruses living or not?
viruses are not living. they only fill a few of requirements to be alive, but not all. what makes them alive is that they Contains genetic material, reproduce (in host), Has organization, and Evolution (DNA/ protein can mutate).
what makes viruses not living?
Do not have cells, Do not respond to stimuli, Do not use energy, Do not grow & develop, Cannot reproduce on their own, and Do not maintain homeostasis
what is a capsid?
the protein coat which wraps around the DNA or DNA in the virus.
