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First of all, viruses are not technically living (pathogenic bacteria is). They infect by injecting a part of their DNA into the host cell which responds by producing more viruses until the host cell lyses (essentially explodes) and the viruses go on to infect other cells. The DNA injected can also remain dormant until an environmental trigger stimulates expression of the specific gene that was injected by the virus. Also viruses have no way of checking for errors when they replicate their DNA so they can easily have various mutations that allow them to respond to dangers in their environment much more easily than bacteria. For this reason, in many cases once an organism has been infected with a viral DNA it cannot be cured (examples are HIV and rabies). Vaccines help to prevent the initial infection of the host cell but can do nothing once the virus has taken hold.
What else can I help you with?
Why do you think viruses are discussed in biology books?
Viruses are discussed in biology books because they are a unique group of infectious agents that challenge our understanding of life. They play a significant role in both human health and disease, and studying viruses helps us understand how they infect cells, replicate, and evolve. Understanding viruses is crucial for developing treatments and vaccines to combat viral infections.
Why has the prion hypothesis been controversial among scientists?
The prion hypothesis has been controversial among scientists because it challenges the traditional understanding of infectious agents. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions lack genetic material and replicate by inducing normal proteins to adopt a misfolded shape. This unique mode of transmission and the lack of a clear understanding of prion biology have led to skepticism and debate in the scientific community.
Which is a unique macromolecule present in certain viruses that is a target for antiviral agents a. DNA b. RNA c. reverse transcriptase d. ribosomes?
Reverse transcriptase.
How do prions differ from viruses and bacteria?
Prions are unique infectious agents composed solely of misfolded proteins, lacking nucleic acids, while viruses are made up of genetic material (DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat and require a host cell to replicate. Bacteria are single-celled organisms with a cellular structure, capable of independent metabolism and reproduction. Unlike viruses and bacteria, prions propagate by inducing abnormal folding in normal proteins, leading to neurodegenerative diseases without any genetic material involved.
Is a prion an infectious agent?
Yes, prions are infectious agents that are responsible for causing several neurodegenerative diseases in animals and humans, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease. Prions are unique because they lack genetic material (DNA or RNA) and are composed of misfolded proteins that can induce normal proteins to misfold and accumulate in the brain, leading to tissue damage.
Which group does virus belong to?
Viruses belong to a unique group of infectious agents that are neither classified as living organisms nor as prokaryotes or eukaryotes. They are composed of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat and, in some cases, an additional lipid envelope. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they require a host cell to replicate and carry out their life cycle. They are categorized into various families and species based on their genetic makeup and modes of transmission.
Do prions have RNA?
No, prions aren't organisms or even organism imitators like viruses. Prions are misfolded proteins that can aggregate and cause serious neurological problems. See link below for more info about prions from Answers.com.
What kind of pathogen causes clumps of misfolded proteins to form in the brain?
Clumps of misfolded proteins in the brain are typically caused by prions, which are infectious agents composed solely of protein. These misfolded proteins can induce normal proteins to also misfold, leading to neurodegenerative diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease. Prions are unique in that they lack nucleic acids, distinguishing them from other pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
Are viruses Prokaryotic or Eukaryotic?
Neither, viruses are unique to themselves and don't belong to any classification of life. Viruses are not considered living things because they do not perform all the functions of life therefore they are considered organic particles.
Special protein that atacches to a specific pathogen?
The special protein that attaches to a specific pathogen is called an antibody. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to antigens, which are unique molecules found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria and viruses. By binding to these antigens, antibodies help neutralize the pathogen and mark it for destruction by other immune cells. This specificity enables the immune system to effectively target and eliminate a wide variety of infectious agents.
Where do viruses fit in?
Viruses are infectious particles. In many cases, they can cause deadly diseases. They are not part of the scheme of living things but are important in the problems they can cause. Some are useful. One type causes mottled colors in tulips.
What is unique about the infectious agent that causes Mad Cow Disease?
BSE is a fairly unique disease because the infectious agent is a misfolded protein called a prion, rather than a separate particle or living organism. Every cow naturally has the proteins that can become misfolded, but it is rare for the protein to become a prion.
