Virology

Viruses are typically species-specific, with one type of virus affecting one species of host. Therefore, a human virus cannot infect a feline and vice versa. The reasoning behind this limitation is that viruses use docking proteins to attach to surface receptors on host cells. Moreover, the cell membrane proteins attach to docking chemicals (Daempfle, 2016). In addition, viruses also utilized this docking system in order to attach to host cells. Obvious exceptions exist which include…

Southern hemisphere (Cox et al, 2004). This virus belongs to the genus Orthomyxovirus in the family of Orthomyxoviridae. Influenza A viruses are enveloped RNA virus with eight RNA segments that encodes for upto 11 viral genes ( Lamb &Krug ,2001, Fields virology, 4th edt. ).The genome is segmented, with 8 RNA fragments (7 for influenza C). There are 4 antigens present, the hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), the matrix (M) and the nucleocapsid proteins. HA and NA are the major antigenic…

Viruses have often seen as deadly particles of mass destruction. However, what if their ability to infiltrate cellular structures could be used for good rather than for evil? It seems that scientist in the field of medical virology have begun to explore such an option. One of the first viruses to be used in such manner is an engineered herpes virus, capable of provoking an immune response against cancer. Since this discovery the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a genetically…

Reflection Paper: Introduction to the Principles of Virology Danielle Morency SOCI 241-01 Chapter two of Viruses, Plagues, and History focuses on viruses. Viruses have an incredibly simple design; they are made up of a small amount of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, in a coat of protein molecules. Viruses are obligate parasites, meaning that they depend on the life of others, including plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, to replicate meaning they cannot multiply…

Introduction Ebola virus (EBOV) is a filamentous, negative sense single-stranded strand RNA virus under the Filoviridae family [1]. It is a large virus, approximately 970 nm long, and 80 nm in diameter [2]. EBOV is infamous in the African continent, causing hemorrhagic fever in both humans and nonhuman primates in the African continent [1], where outbreaks have been unpredictable and usually resulting in fatality. Since its discovery in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo [3], EBOV still…

Article Summary This article, “Are Viruses Alive? New Evidence Says Yes” by Grennan Milliken states that scientists have discovered new evidence that is interpreted to suggest that viruses are indeed alive and might have been related to archaic cells. The article introduces the two sides on the ongoing debate on whether viruses are alive is outlined with a short description of what viruses are. Viruses are known to mutate fast. It changes its genes which affects the virus’ form and its identity.…

Enhydra lutris, commonly known as sea otter, is the second smallest marine mammal that lives in shallow coastal waters of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean. Sea otters are often found in areas with protection from the most severe ocean winds, such as rocky coastlines, thick kelp forests, and barrier reefs. They are considered a keystone species because they are crucial to the health of the nearshore marine ecosystem. Because sea otters eat sea urchins, which are herbivores that feed…

Throughout the course of English 10803, I have come to the realization that rhetorical strategies are a crucial and valuable part of writing. During the construction of my Portfolio Four essay, I kept all that I have learned and am currently learning in my mind as I typed out each word and phrase. I feel that in order for the audience to connect to and understand my argument, I must take a wise and orderly rhetorical approach in my writing. The effective, rhetorical features within my essay…

filoviridae which is the only known virus family that we lack knowledge on. Researchers fail to understand how nature maintains itself with viruses like these and researchers know even less about the resulting diseases, pathogens, and the detailed virology (the study of viruses) of Ebola. Of the five strains four are known to cause disease in humans: Ebola virus (Zaire ebolavirus); Sudan virus (Sudan ebolavirus); Tai Forest virus (Tai Forest ebolavirus); and Budibugyo virus (Bundibugyo…

Rosalind Franklin always liked facts. She was logical and precise, and impatient with things that were otherwise. She decided to become a scientist when she was 15. She passed the examination for admission to Cambridge University in 1938, and it sparked a family crisis. Although her family was well-to-do and had a tradition of public service and philanthropy, her father disapproved of university education for women. He refused to pay. An aunt stepped in and said Franklin should go to school, and…