topic 2.4

Question 1

what is a virus made of?

Answer 1

an outer protein coat (capsid) and a core of either DNA or RNA

Question 2

how does a virus replicate within a host?

Answer 2

• it uses the host cell to synthesise protein to make new components of a new virus
• the new virus is then released by the host cell before it deconstructs

Question 3

what makes viruses difficult to kill?

Answer 3

they offer few targets for pharmacological agents

Question 4

explain fusion inhibitors

Answer 4

• they bind to viral surface proteins that prevent fusion with the host cell membrane
• this prevents the virus from entering the cell

Question 5

explain penetration inhibitors

Answer 5

they prevent the virus from penetrating the cells thus the virus is unable to enter

Question 6

explain synthesis inhibitors (RNA + DNA virus)

Answer 6

• RNA virus: inhibit the enzyme that converts RNA to DNA
• DNA virus: DNA polymerase inhibitors used to treat infections

Question 7

explain release inhibitors

Answer 7

they prevent the release of the new virus/viral cells

Question 8

diverse group of eukaryotic organisms found in environmental conditions

Answer 8

fungi

Question 9

what is the main purpose of fungi?

Answer 9

to degrade organic matter

Question 10

are fungi opportunistic?

Answer 10

yes, they often won’t become pathogenic unless the host is immunosuppressed, there is a change in environment or the use of drugs

Question 11

what is mycosis another term for?

Answer 11

fungal infection

Question 12

what are the four groups of mycosis?

Answer 12

1. systemic
2. subcutaneous
3. cutaneous
4. superficial

Question 13

medicine used to trear fungal infections

Answer 13

antimycotics

Question 14

what is the suffix for antimycotics?

Answer 14

‘_azoles’