320 likes | 639 Views
Virus. So what do we already know about VIRUSES ?. V: Introduction to Viruses. What is a “ Pathogen ”?. Definition : a disease causing agent. What is a “ Virus ”?. Definition : a pathogen, or disease causing agent, not considered living because it cannot reproduce on its own. .
E N D
What is a “Pathogen”? Definition: a disease causing agent.
What is a “Virus”? Definition: a pathogen, or disease causing agent, not considered living because it cannot reproduce on its own.
Virus Reproduction A virus must have a HOST CELL to reproduce.
Structure of a “Virus” Capsid: outer protein coat. Genetic Material: DNA or RNA.
“Lytic Cycle” Definition: process in which a virus enters a cell, makes a copy of itself, and causes the cell to burst.
“Lytic Cycle” (Viral Reproduction)
“Stage A (1)” The virus lands on the host cell and then injects its genetic material into the host cell.
“Stage B (2)” The virus using the host cell to synthesize, or make, viral proteins (capsids) and nucleic acids (genetic material-DNA or RNA).
“Stage C (3)” The virus assembles (puts together) capsidsand nucleic acids to prepare for release.
“Stage D (4)” The host cell breaks open (lysing) and the newly assembled viruses begin to be released.
“Lysogenic Cycle” Definition: process by which a virus embeds its DNA into the DNA of the host cell and is replicated along with the host cell's DNA. Lysogenic cycle is a viral reproduction cycle in which the virus is dormant until it enters the lytic cycle.
What is a “Retrovirus”? Definition: a virus that contains RNA as its genetic material instead of DNA.
Viruses cause “Disease” How: by disrupting the body’s normal equilibrium. In many viral infections, viruses attach and destroy certain cells in the body, causing the symptoms of the disease.
“HIV” (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Definition: retrovirus that destroys white blood cells called helper T cells and causes the disease known as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
“Influenza” (Flu or Grippe) Definition: a highly infectious respiratory disease. Your best defense against this virus is to receive an annual vaccination (according to the Mayo Clinic).
What is a “Vaccine”? Definition: a preparation of weakened or killed pathogens. When injected into the body, a vaccine sometimes prompts the body to produce immunity to the disease.
What is “Immunity”? Definition: the body's ability to destroy new pathogens.
What are “Antibiotics”? Definition: compounds that block the growth and reproduction of bacteria. DO NOT work on viral infections!
Who is a “Immunologist”? Definition: a person who specializes in the immune system, to study the mechanism used by the virus to infect cells. If a company wants to develop antiviral drugs, they would need to ask a research immunologist.