Explore BrainMass

Explore BrainMass

    Viruses

    Viruses, in a biological sense, are infectious agents which are able to reproduce once they are inside the host cells of another organism. In terms of size viruses are extremely small and in some cases, a light microscope cannot detect these agents.

    Unlike other organisms, such as animals and plants, viruses lack a cellular structure and instead rely on the structure of the cells of the host organism which they attack. It has been contested throughout past discussions and among the literature whether viruses can be thought of as a life form. There still remains no absolute consensus, but it is often thought that viruses are not alive. On the one hand they do have their own genetic material (either DNA or RNA) and they are capable of reproducing. However, all cellular functions, such as metabolism and reproduction even, cannot be carried out by viruses on their own as they lack the appropriate cellular machinery. Thus, they use the machinery provided by the host cells. 

    The diagram below, referenced as Figure 1, provides an example of a viral vector and its basic structure. The basic elements of a viral vector are:

    1. The genetic material, which can be seen in Figure 1 as a long, yellow coloured molecule.
    2. A protein coat.
    3. An envelope of lipids, which in the diagram below is referenced as an envelope of glycoproteins. These lipids are always on the outside of the cell. This is not present in all cases.

    Figure 1. This image is representative of a viral agent, specifically that of the Hepatitis C Virus. This diagram depicts the overall structure of the virus1.

    Viruses are capable of spreading in many different ways, which makes them very dangerous. Furthermore, viruses can infect all organisms and can even spread from one species to a different species. 

     

     

    References:
    1. Wikimedia Commons. (2008).Hepatitis C Virus. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HCV_structure.png
    Title Image Credit: openclipart.org 

    © BrainMass Inc. brainmass.com March 28, 2024, 9:12 pm ad1c9bdddf

    BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

    vaccine development

    vaccine development for diseases caused by protists (e.g. malaria, chagas' disease)has been much less successful than for bacterial or viral diseases. discuss at least one biological and one geographical reason for this fact. please include resources. thank you

    Viral Replication - Six Events

    List the six events that occur in viral replication. For each event, include a paragraph describing what occurs during that particular stage.

    Microbes that Are Difficult to Control

    Please describe a short topic of discussion for the following item listed below. Which pathogen is more difficult to control: A pathogenic virus or bacteria? This course has introduced a variety of disease organisms. Pathogenic bacteria have claimed many lives in third world countries. Bacteria have been controlled through

    Sides effects of vaccinations

    I am in need of a short paragraph to help me with an answer to this discussion topic. The immune system is an amazing instrument of the human body. The value of a healthy immune system means that the body will fight off disease. Vaccination manipulates an important component of the immune system by selectively building immuni

    Mycobacterium and plasmodium

    I need to address in more detail this pathogen, Mycobacterium or a second microbe, and I am trying to respond to the question presented in regards to two microbes. Also, could you please provide a reference page? Thank you.

    Pathogenicity and Immunology; Host resistance and the immune (SLP 4)

    Discuss the role of the immune system in protecting the body from the pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes selected in Module 1 and 2. How would the body's immune response differ if it was previously exposed to the same pathogen 2 years ago as compared to an initial exposure?

    Pathogenicity and Immunology; Host resistance and the immune (CASE4)

    In this module you have learned of the importance of the immune system in protecting against disease. For the Module 4 case assignment you will investigate the virus HIV and its effect on the human immune system, as well as important topics in infectious disease in general. It is estimated that over 34 million people globally

    Physical and chemical control of growth and viability (SLP)

    Discuss the metabolic requirements for growth of each microbe and select one antibiotic (bacteria), antiviral (virus) or anti-fungal (fungi) agent, depending on the pathogens that you selected. Discuss the mechanism of action by which the drug kills or inhibits the growth of the selected pathogen. Be sure to look on your libra

    Physical and chemical control of growth and viability (CASE)

    In the module 3 case assignment you will explore bacterial growth and methods used to measure the growth of microbes. After you have read the information in the background readings and home page you should prepare a paper addressing the topics below: 1. Discuss the four phases of the bacterial growth curve. 2. Explain two

    Antibiotic Resistance and Methicillin (MRSA)

    Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a big concern in hospitals throughout the country and the world and have other antibiotic resistant bacterial strains. Part 1 The use, overuse, and abuse of antibiotics is accredited with creating these antibiotic resistant strains. Explain how this relates to n

    Edward Jenner Vaccination

    Microbiology was a study of living organisms that scientists had some trouble proving to the general public that they even existed. One of the reasons for this was that people could not see the organism. That is, not until the microscope was invented. Antony van Leeuwenhoek (1674 to 1724) was one of the pioneers in the making of

    How HIV Infects Helper T Cells

    This solution will review the basics of viruses and discuss the process that occurs when a helper T cell is infected by the HIV virus. It includes a glossary to aid in understanding of the technical terms, that occur in a first year introductory college biology class.

    Microbiology: mRNA synthesis and ssRNA viruses

    1. Why is the synthesis of mRNA a central issue for all viruses? 2. Polio and HIV are both +ssRNA viruses that have very different strategies for replicating their genomes. After the viral genomes enter the cell (ie. post entry), describe the first step involved in replication of each genome. Your description can include a

    Novovirus Infections

    Your audience is nursing staff at a care home. Prepare some information for them about the Norovirus(nv), including how it occurs, spreads, as well as prevention techniques and treatments.

    E.Coli and HIV Similarities and Differences

    Pathogens, toxins, infections, and disease; Microbial Applications and Industrial Use; Biotransformations; Microbial decomposition and global recycling Summarize the key differences and similarities between the E.Coli and HIV. Discuss the benefits derived from the subject non-pathogenic microorganisms in the human environm

    Physical and chemical control of growth and viability

    Present and discuss the differences and similarities in the microbial metabolic and environmental requirements for growth for E Coli and HIV. The focus should be on the effect of environmental factors on growth for both. Growth criteria for E Coli and HIV should also be covered

    Disinfection and Sterilization Agents

    For each method listed, indicate the mode of action, whether it is sporocidal, common uses, when it should not be used and any special advantages or disadvantages. a. Phenol and penolics: bisphenolics and triclosan b. Alcohols: isoopropanol and ethanol c. Gaseous agents: ethylene oxide gas, chlorine dioxide gas d. Haloge

    HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis C

    Discuss three ways the Hepatitis C epidemic is similar to the of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and three ways the Hepatitis C epidemic is different than the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

    SARS, Outbreak, Travel, Pathogens, Toxins, Infections, and Disease

    The World Health Organization has released the following update on the outbreak of SARS. Read the following WHO Update and the information presented from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and prepare a characterization of the disease based on the characteristics of infectious diseases and viruses presented. Identify the

    Viral Replication and Retroviruses

    Describe the process of viral replication; discuss both normal and retroviruses, and comment on the implications of this process for genetic engineering.

    Infectious Disease and Risk

    There are six characteristics of infectious disease agents which determine whether or not an infectious disease will be transmitted to and infect a host. These characteristics also influence the severity of the disease and even the outcome of the resulting infection. these characteristics are as follows: -Infectivity: The ab

    Components of cells and their sizes

    Take the following list of eight cells, or components of cells, and: (a) list them in order from largest to smallest; (b) say whether each is best viewed with the naked eye, light microscope, electron microscope, or atomic force microscope; (c) give an approximate size with the appropriate units (micometers, nanometers, etc.).

    Urinary Tract Infections and Blood Borne Pathogens

    Please help with the following problems. 1. How does an active infection occur in the urinary tract? Which factors in the urinary tract predispose humans toward urinary tract infections? 2. Explain the strategies devised by OSHA and the CDC to prevent transmission of blood borne pathogens of infectious diseases.

    Autoimmune Disease Immunizations

    Lab mice are immunized with a measles vaccine. When the mice are challenged with the measles virus to test the strength of their immunity, the memory cells do not completely prevent replication of the measles virus. The virus undergoes a few rounds of replication before the immune response is observed. You have developed a strai

    Microbes with capsules

    1. How does an organism with a capsule such as K. pneumoniae, provide the organism with pathogenic abilities to avoid destruction by the host cell? 2. Why are infections of the upper respiratory tract milder as compared to the infections of the lower respiratory tract?