Introduction and Structure of Viruses Flashcards
1
Q
What is the #1 reason we study viruses
A
They are an important group of etiologic disease agents
2
Q
Why are veterinarians important in public health?
A
Humanity today fis acutely vulnerable to diseases that start off in other species.
3
Q
Why are viruses so formidable?
A
1) efficient spread
2) exploit a very wide range of host niches
3) Clever at evading host defenses
4) few effective treatments- not susceptible to antibiotics
4
Q
What is a virus?
A
Infectious filterable agent comprised of one or more molecules of DNA OR RNA surrounded by a protein coat and somtimes surrounded by a protein coat and sometimes a lipid envelope
It is absolutely depended on a living host cell for reproduction, and can transmit their nucleic acid from one host cell to another
