Cells vs Viruses
Rachel Gray
1. Virus and Cell Pictures
2. Virus Reproduction Diagram
An example of a virus that uses the lysogenic cycle as a form or reproduction is a Bacteriophage. Bacteriophages can reproduce using both cycles.
3. Characteristics of Life
Viruses and Characteristics of Life
Living things are based off of a universal genetic code- Viruses have DNA/RNA.
Living things respond to their environment- Viruses do not move.
Living things reproduce- Viruses cannot reproduce without a host cell.
Living things are made of cells- Viruses are not made of cells.
Living things use energy- Viruses do not eat.
Living things, as a group, evolve- Viruses can evolve through mutation.
Living things can maintain an internal balance- Viruses are fairly balanced.
4. Questions
1. Describe the typical structure of a virus. What is a virus made of? What biomolecules would you find in a virus?
1b. A virus is made up of a core of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protective coat called a capsid which is made up of protein.
1c. The biomolecule you would find in a virus is nucleic acid because viruses have DNA or RNA but neither both at the same time.
2. Discuss the different ways viruses gain entry into a cell.
3. Explain why the Ebola virus would not infect a tobacco plant.
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All jokes aside Ebola would not infect a tobacco plant because viruses are very selective and they only infect certain organisms, once they choose they don't change. Since Ebola infects humans it will never infect plants unless it is mutated to spread to plants.
4. Name 5 viruses and the type of cell that they attack.
2. HIV Virus (AIDS) attacks the CD4 cell through physical touch.
3. Bacteriophage Virus attack the NDM-1 cell.
4. Porcine Circoviruses attacks the PVC1 cell.
5. Herpesviruses attacks the PRV4 cell.