Viruses: Size, Structure, Replication, Disease, and Treatment

Virus Characteristics

Contain only one type of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA)Composed of nucleic acid surrounded by protein coat, may have envelope.Some have affinity for particular cell typeUnable to replicate on inert mediaDependent on living cells for replication

1. Size – viruses are incredibly small, ranging from 20 nanometer (nm) to 300 nm in size, and require powerful microscopes to be seen.

2. Structure – viruses do not have a cellular structure of their own and consist of a protein coat called a capsid, which encases either DNA or RNA.

3. Replication – viruses require a host cell to replicate and reproduce. They invade the host cell and hijack its machinery to make more copies of themselves, which are then released to infect other cells.

4. Mutability – viruses can mutate and adapt rapidly, making it difficult for the immune system to keep up with their changing structure.

5. Disease – viruses can cause a range of diseases, from the common cold to more severe respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and Ebola.

6. Transmission – viruses can be transmitted through various routes, such as respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, or through the bite of an infected animal.

7. Treatment – antiviral medications can be effective in treating some viral infections, but there is no cure for many viral illnesses. Vaccines can also be developed to prevent viral infections.

8. Host range – viruses can infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, animals, and plants, and can adapt to infect new hosts.

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