Viruses: Their Composition, Replication, and Impact on Health and the Environment

Virus

A tiny microscopic pathogen that multiplies only within the cells of a living host -viruses are classified by:•type of nucleic acid core (DNA or RNA)•host organism •clinical properties •type of disease -common viral infections include:•hepatitis•herpes•human immune deficiency syndrome (HIV)•acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)•chickenpox •influenza •common cold•measles•mumps

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. It is composed of genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA, enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid. Some viruses also have an outer envelope that is derived from the host cell membrane.

Viruses are not considered living organisms because they cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own and require a host cell to reproduce. The virus injects its genetic material into the host cell, which then uses the viral instructions to produce new viral proteins and components. These components are assembled into new virus particles that will then leave the host cell to infect other cells.

Viruses can infect all forms of life, from bacteria and archaea to plants and animals. They can cause a range of diseases, including the common cold, influenza, HIV, and COVID-19. Some viruses, such as those causing the flu, can mutate rapidly, making it difficult to develop effective vaccines or treatments.

Prevention measures for viral infections include maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Vaccines can also help prevent viral infections by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight off the virus.

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