Viruses are nonliving, microscopic organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Since they do not have the ability to replicate by themselves, viruses must rely on a host organism which allows the virus to multiple. This is why they are often referred to as cellular parasites. Since they are very small, and they can only be seen by looking through a microscope. There are approximately 5,000 different viruses that have the potential to infect plants, animals, and bacteria. Some are incredibly dangerous and can cause problems in humans that eventually lead to death. Others cause diseases that are very mild and do not cause big problems like certain flu viruses. Viruses can be a huge problem depending on how severe they are. A lot of this
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They have their nucleic acid which is either DNA or RNA. These viruses each contain their own type of genome and their genetic material can either be double or single standard DNA or RNA. This way each virus has its own genetic makeup, as well as the function. Viruses are not alive for many reasons. Viruses may contain DNA and protein, but they cannot survive on their own without living organisms. They do not possess energy or machinery to grow or duplicate and without this ability to duplicate, they cannot reproduce independently. When the virus DNA is paired with the proteins, it then becomes a capsids. Protein coats are protective outer layers that hold the virus’ protein. The tail of the virus controls the virus being injected into the cell. The tail is connected to the cell membrane, and is protected. When viruses replicate inside the host, they can multiple their cells to infect other cells of the body. Before the virus can start replicating, it must first enter the host body. This can be done in many ways. For example, the use of insects, such as mosquitoes, or other vectors often transmit viruses. Viruses can also be spread through contact via blood or other bodily fluid. Viruses can even be contracted through something as simple as touching a door knob that was contaminated with the virus or inhaling someone’s sneeze or …show more content…
One virus that has created a great sense of fear more recently is Ebola. Ebola is caused when viral RNA and dependent RNA combine their genomes. The Ebola virus originated in Central Africa and it comes from the family Filoviriade. It infects bats, humans, and primates and it is transmitted through body fluids. This virus is believed to be caused by bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines, but a reservoir host has not yet been found. It is also spread through secretions, blood, and organs as well. There was an outbreak of Ebola in 2014 in West Africa and even made its way to the United States which created a huge sense of fear in most of the people living here. However, in order for Ebola to infect you, it must first take over the host cells in your body, and then spreads from host cell to other cell. Unlike other diseases, Ebola spreads so quickly throughout the body so the immune system does not have a chance to fight back. The symptoms of Ebola are: a high fever, muscle pain, severe headaches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. There are also people who bleed from the mouth and nose. It is hard to survive through, but
They have their nucleic acid which is either DNA or RNA. These viruses each contain their own type of genome and their genetic material can either be double or single standard DNA or RNA. This way each virus has its own genetic makeup, as well as the function. Viruses are not alive for many reasons. Viruses may contain DNA and protein, but they cannot survive on their own without living organisms. They do not possess energy or machinery to grow or duplicate and without this ability to duplicate, they cannot reproduce independently. When the virus DNA is paired with the proteins, it then becomes a capsids. Protein coats are protective outer layers that hold the virus’ protein. The tail of the virus controls the virus being injected into the cell. The tail is connected to the cell membrane, and is protected. When viruses replicate inside the host, they can multiple their cells to infect other cells of the body. Before the virus can start replicating, it must first enter the host body. This can be done in many ways. For example, the use of insects, such as mosquitoes, or other vectors often transmit viruses. Viruses can also be spread through contact via blood or other bodily fluid. Viruses can even be contracted through something as simple as touching a door knob that was contaminated with the virus or inhaling someone’s sneeze or …show more content…
One virus that has created a great sense of fear more recently is Ebola. Ebola is caused when viral RNA and dependent RNA combine their genomes. The Ebola virus originated in Central Africa and it comes from the family Filoviriade. It infects bats, humans, and primates and it is transmitted through body fluids. This virus is believed to be caused by bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines, but a reservoir host has not yet been found. It is also spread through secretions, blood, and organs as well. There was an outbreak of Ebola in 2014 in West Africa and even made its way to the United States which created a huge sense of fear in most of the people living here. However, in order for Ebola to infect you, it must first take over the host cells in your body, and then spreads from host cell to other cell. Unlike other diseases, Ebola spreads so quickly throughout the body so the immune system does not have a chance to fight back. The symptoms of Ebola are: a high fever, muscle pain, severe headaches, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. There are also people who bleed from the mouth and nose. It is hard to survive through, but