Viruses and bacteria are often confused. In reality the two are very different to each other, so what exactly is a virus?
1. Some believe that viruses are neither alive nor dead
Whilst some describe them as a life form, viruses actually lack many qualities that describe ‘life’, such as reproduction.
2. Wherever there is life, there are viruses
Viruses outnumber all other life forms on the planet
3. The average virus is smaller than a bacterium
A single bacteria can be 10 to 100 times bigger than a virus
4. The name ‘virus’ means ‘poison’ and ‘venom’ Latin
Viruses have been the culprits in many human diseases, including smallpox, flu, AIDS, and the ever-present common cold
5. Viruses can infect anything that is living
Some viruses can even infect bacteria! The scientific name for this group of viruses is a Bacteriophage
Characteristics of Viruses
They do not have an organized cell structure.
They have no cell nucleus.
They typically have one or two strands of DNA or RNA.
They are covered with a protective coat of protein called the CAPSID.
They are inactive when not inside a living cell, but are active when inside another living cell.
Are viruses good for anything?
In fact, some viruses have beneficial properties for their hosts in a symbiotic relationship (1), while other natural and laboratory-modified viruses can be used to target and kill cancer cells, to treat a variety of genetic diseases as gene and cell therapy tools, or to serve as vaccines or vaccine delivery agents.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
1. Some believe that viruses are neither alive nor dead
2. Wherever there is life, there are viruses
3. The average virus is smaller than a bacterium
4. The name ‘virus’ means ‘poison’ and ‘venom’ Latin
5. Viruses can infect anything that is living
Explanation:
Five facts about viruses
Viruses and bacteria are often confused. In reality the two are very different to each other, so what exactly is a virus?
1. Some believe that viruses are neither alive nor dead
Whilst some describe them as a life form, viruses actually lack many qualities that describe ‘life’, such as reproduction.
2. Wherever there is life, there are viruses
Viruses outnumber all other life forms on the planet
3. The average virus is smaller than a bacterium
A single bacteria can be 10 to 100 times bigger than a virus
4. The name ‘virus’ means ‘poison’ and ‘venom’ Latin
Viruses have been the culprits in many human diseases, including smallpox, flu, AIDS, and the ever-present common cold
5. Viruses can infect anything that is living
Some viruses can even infect bacteria! The scientific name for this group of viruses is a Bacteriophage
Characteristics of Viruses
Are viruses good for anything?
In fact, some viruses have beneficial properties for their hosts in a symbiotic relationship (1), while other natural and laboratory-modified viruses can be used to target and kill cancer cells, to treat a variety of genetic diseases as gene and cell therapy tools, or to serve as vaccines or vaccine delivery agents.