Viruses

• What are viruses considered to be despite not being living organisms?

  Organisms
• How much smaller are viruses compared to animal cells?

  About 10,000 times smaller
• How do viruses reproduce?

  By using the machinery of another organism's cell
• What happens when a virus bursts a host cell?

  New viruses are released to find new cells
• Why do viruses make us feel ill?

  Because they damage our bodies during the colonization process
• What are the three examples of viral diseases mentioned?

  • Measles
  • HIV
  • Tobacco mosaic virus
• How is the measles virus spread?

  By droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• What are the common symptoms of measles?

  A red rash and fever
• Why is measles considered rare in the UK?

  Because nearly everyone is vaccinated against it
• How is HIV primarily spread?

  Through sexual contact and exchanging bodily fluids
• What does HIV stand for?

  Human immunodeficiency virus
• What does HIV do to the immune system?

  It causes a deficiency or inadequacy in the immune system
• What symptoms might someone experience when they first catch HIV?

  Flu-like symptoms such as fever, tiredness, and aches
• What happens to a person's immune system over time after contracting HIV?

  It becomes weaker, leading to unusual infections and cancers
• What is the condition called when a person's immune system can no longer cope due to HIV?

  AIDS
• What was the outcome for people with AIDS before the introduction of antiretroviral drugs?


  They would die from random infections or cancer
• What do antiretroviral drugs do for people with HIV?

  They prevent the virus from replicating in the body
• What is the last viral disease mentioned that is caused by tobacco mosaic virus?

  Affects certain plant species like tobacco and martyrs
• What is the effect of tobacco mosaic virus on plants?

  It causes discolored patches on leaves, affecting photosynthesis
• Why is the virus called "mosaic"?

  Because it creates a mosaic pattern on the leaves
• What is the consequence of the discolored patches on a plant caused by tobacco mosaic virus?

  The plant cannot produce enough sugars for proper growth
• What are the main effects of viral diseases on the body?

  • Damage to cells
  • Symptoms like fever and rash
  • Compromised immune system