Virus
a pathogen that consists of a microscopic core of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat
A virus is a small infectious agent that can cause disease in living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. It is an obligate intracellular parasite that requires a host cell to replicate and spread.
The structure of a virus consists of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. Some viruses also have an outer lipid membrane envelope that surrounds the capsid.
Viruses are not considered living organisms because they do not have the ability to carry out metabolic processes or reproduce on their own. Instead, they infect host cells and use the cell’s machinery to reproduce.
Viruses can spread through various means, including physical contact, inhalation, ingestion, and through vectors such as insects or animals. Symptoms of viral infections can range from mild, such as the common cold, to severe and life-threatening, such as Ebola and COVID-19.
Treatment for viral infections varies depending on the specific virus and the severity of the infection. Vaccines can provide protection against certain viruses, and antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms for some viral infections.
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