Viruses Flashcards
What is a virus?
- Its a protein coded with dna
- Anti viral ( cant be treated by antibiotics)
What are the viral characteristics?
- Cant move
- Cant respond to stimuli
- Cant develop (grow)
- Contain complex components
- Can die ( by being destroyed )
Why are viruses NOT alive?
- Not made of cells
- No metabolism
- Cant reproduce within a host to kill it
- No homeostaisis
Why arent viruses alive?
They dont have all the fundamental characteristics of life. they must rely on other living things
What are viruses?
- Small, infectious, non living, non cellular particles
- Contain no cytoplasm
- Cannot grow or reproduce on their own (need a host)
- Do not produce or use energy
- Do not create waste
- Does have genetic material which controls other cells to create virus copies
Whats a virion?
A virus particle
Whats the basic structure of a viron?
Genetic material and the capsid ( or head)
What does the genetic material contain?
RNA (Single stranded) or DNA ( a double stranded core)
What is the capsid?
A protein coat that surrounds and protects the genetic material
What do RNA viruses look like?
- Usually single stranded RNA ( ribonucleic acid)
- Very high mutation rates due to not being proof read the same as DNA in replication
- Vaccines are not as effective due to mutations
What are examples of RNA viruses?
HIV, influenza viruses, rabies, measles, mumps, pneumonia, common cold, coronavirus
What do DNA viruses look like?
- Has double stranded DNA ( deoxyribonucleic acid)
- Lower mutation rates because of proofreading
- More constant/stable so vaccines are effective
What are examples of DNA viruses?
Chickenpox, cold sores, genital herpes, hepatitis, (respiratory infections, tumors)
What are the common virus shapes?
- Helical
- Polyhedral
- Complex
- Bacteriophage
What does the helical virus shape look like?
Theyre rod like with capsid protiens winding around the core in a spiral