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Viruses (biological)
A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of organisms. Viruses display a wide diversity of shapes and sizes, called morphologies. Generally viruses are much smaller than bacteria. Most viruses that have been studied have a diameter between 10 and 300 nanometres.
1,710 Questions
Do cucumbers help colds and the flu?
I was just advised by my Doctor to eat cucumber to help my viral infection/flu. Apparently it helps balance the acidity/oxygen in the blood, rehydrates the body and provides nutrition that is easy to digest for those flus that make us not want to eat anything.
How is the flu virus rendered inactive?
Many different ways, among them are:
- Let them dry out.
- Deprive them of a host.
- Use antiviral medication.
- Use friction, soap and warm water (see related question below).
- Use ethyl or isopropyl alcohol in solutions of a minimum of 60% alcohol.
- Use alcohol based waterless hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol).
- Use non-alcohol based waterless hand sanitizers*.
- Heat to temperatures at least as high as normal cooking temperatures (167-212°F [75-100°C]).
- Sterilize or autoclave with very high heat.
- Use household cleaning products (see related links below for link to information about products that are effective).
- Subject them to an animal's (including humans) healthy immune system activity.
*Common active ingredients in non-alcohol based hand sanitizers: benzalkonium chloride, triclosan, or povidone-iodine.
What does a mild case of COVID-19 feel like?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath. The virus can spread from person to person, but good hygiene can prevent infection.
Do Viruses multiply through binary fission?
No, they do not. They are hijackers. Once they get attached to the cell of a living cell, they can take it over and "make" the living cell produce virus particles instead of cell parts. These particles can assemble into more viruses and then they break out of the cell (killing it) and begin the process again.
No, only living cells divide by binary fission. Viruses are not alive.
Does your nose run when you have the flu?
Usually. See the related question below about the symptoms of the flu.
What is the two different lifecycles exhibited by viruses?
The two different lifecycles of viruses are Lytic and Lysogenic
How does the electron microscope permit scientists to see viruses?
Viruses are very small and can be considered ultramicroscopic. We were not able to see them with the best light microscopes as we could bacteria (prokaryotes). We have to use an electron microscope to see them as they are that small. This was not available until recently.
How are the lysogenic cycle and lytic cycles different?
: During the lysogenic cycle, the cell is not killed.
Where in the body is pnuemonia found?
Pnuemonia is found in your lungs and it effects your breathing you also cough and sometimes have a high fever.
Why are virus not regarded as true cells?
They are like cockle burrs that "grab" hold of your clothing or a dog's coat. They are hijackers. Once they get attached to the cell wall or membrane of a living cell, they can take it over and "make" the living cell produce virus particles instead of cell parts. These particles can assemble into more viruses and then they break out of the cell (killing it) and begin the process again. They cannot make more viruses on their own. Only living cell reproduce on their own.
What is the survival rate of zika?
The Zika virus generally has a high survival rate, as most people infected with it experience mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic. Severe complications are rare, and the virus is usually self-limiting, resolving within a week. However, Zika is particularly concerning for pregnant women due to its association with congenital defects, such as microcephaly, in newborns. Overall, while the immediate survival rate is high, the long-term effects on pregnancy and fetal health can be significant.
How does mump virus infect its host?
The mumps virus infects its host primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Once inhaled, the virus targets the epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract, where it begins to replicate. It then spreads to nearby tissues, including the salivary glands, leading to the characteristic swelling associated with mumps. The virus can also enter the bloodstream, allowing it to infect other organs.
How are the iysogenic and lytic cycles different?
The lytic cycle involves the virus infecting a host cell, replicating its genetic material, assembling new viral particles, and ultimately causing the host cell to burst, releasing these new viruses to infect other cells. In contrast, the lysogenic cycle integrates the viral DNA into the host cell's genome, allowing the virus to replicate along with the host cell's DNA without immediately killing the host. This integrated viral DNA, known as a prophage, can later enter the lytic cycle under certain conditions. Thus, the key difference lies in the immediate outcome for the host cell: lytic results in cell death, while lysogenic maintains cell viability temporarily.
Why does the host cell begin to make mrna from the genes of the virus?
The host cell begins to make mRNA from the genes of the virus as a response to viral infection. When a virus enters a host cell, it releases its genetic material (either DNA or RNA), which hijacks the host's cellular machinery. This prompts the host cell to transcribe the viral genes into mRNA, enabling the production of viral proteins necessary for the virus to replicate and assemble new viral particles. This process ultimately leads to the propagation of the virus within the host.
