Viruses

Little Packets of Evil

Is a virus ALIVE?

NO have no cells, no metabolism, cannot reproduce on its own

so what the heck is it? Forms crystals -- viruses are chemicals not living cells (Wendell Stanley, 1933)

Viral Structure
Protein
Within

coat = the protein

CAPSID

coat =

NUCLEIC ACID (DNA or RNA)

Examples of viruses

Wolf in Sheeps Clothing

Many animal viruses have a CELL MEMBRANE surrounding the protein capsid.
WHY?

The membrane helps the virus gain entry into cells. It steals proteins and pieces of the cell membrane from the hosts cells. That way, it LOOKS just like the cell from the outside.

Viruses
Tobacco Mosaic

Influenza

Polio

T4 Bacteriophage

Mature HIV rupturing out of human tissue

Ouch!

Herpes simplex
rupturing out of lymph cell

Variety
Viruses

are very varied!

1. Polyhedral (many sided shape)

ICOSAHEDRON
20 triangles 12 corners This shape makes more volume on the inside than a square or cone. Since its made of crystals, it cant form a perfect sphere.

Helical

TMV (tobacco mosaic virus)

 Bacteriophages

Viruses are tiny

17nm

-- 100nm

require an electron microscope to be seen

VIRAL REPRODUCTION 3 ways of entry

Bacteriophage

pokes a hole in the cell (like a syringe)-- it injects its own DNA into the cell. Viruses may enter at the point of injury a cut or scrape Viruses may enter cell when the membrane pinches inward and wraps around it.

Fools the cell

Viruses

have membrane parts from the host cell. Cell recognizes the virus as SELF and allow the virus to enter. Very specific will only infect the cells with the proper cell surface receptors EX:( HIV only infects white blood cells)

Virus Video
http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwic h/2011/06/01/114075029/fluattack-how-a-virus-invades-yourbody

The cells fight back

Mammals

protect cells by producing antibodies. These identify and tag the virus for destruction.

The Virus Hides and Changes

Virus change their DNA code EXTREMELY fast. Thus; they are always changing their genetic information and making different proteins from their genes. This makes our immune system not recognize them EX: flu - New strain of flu virus each year.

Virus Takes Over

Virus enters cell virus sheds capsid--exposing its DNA viral genes insert themselves into the cells DNA Every time the cell replicates it also replicates the viral genes! Every time the cell divides it copies new viruses multiplying!

Evil..

LYTIC cycle of virus infection

How do you treat a virus?

Remember you cannot treat a viral infection but you can prevent one by getting a vaccine.

Vaccine
A vaccine improves immunity to a particular disease.

How do vaccines work?

A vaccine contains a weakened strain of the microbe. When injected into your body it stimulates your immune system to recognize it as foreign, destroy it, and remember it. So if your body encounters the full strain later, it can easily recognize and destroy it!!!!!
http://health.howstuffworks.com/adam-200097.htm