Viruses

• How do viruses work?

  Viruses hijack cells and cause them to reproduce the virus pathogen causing the cell to eventually burst and the pathogens to go on to infect other cells.
• How do you get viruses?

  Direct contact, infected food or water, through the air
• Why are viruses considered not alive?

  They do not complete all seven life processes
• What term do we use for different types of viruses?

  Strains
• What is the composition of a virus?

  Short length of DNA surrounded by a protein coat
• How does the life cycle of a virus compare to other pathogens?

  It is the same as other pathogens
• How long can viruses survive outside a host?

  For long periods of time
• What happens when a virus infects a suitable host cell?

  It replicates itself thousands of times
• How do viruses replicate within a host cell?

  They replicate their DNA and protein coats
• What happens to the host cell after a virus replicates?

  The host cell bursts
• What is the result of a host cell bursting due to viral replication?

  Other nearby cells can be infected
• Can viral infections be treated with antibiotics?

  No, they cannot be treated by antibiotics
• What virus infects chloroplasts in plants?

  Tobacco mosaic virus
• Which plants are affected by the tobacco mosaic virus?

  Tobacco, tomatoes, and peppers
• How is the tobacco mosaic virus transmitted?

  By contact between plants or farmers' hands
• What effect does the tobacco mosaic virus have on plant leaves?

  Changes color to yellow or white in a mosaic pattern
• What physical changes can the tobacco mosaic virus cause in leaves?

  Leaves can crinkle or curl up
• How does the tobacco mosaic virus affect a plant's ability to grow?

  It reduces photosynthesis and growth
• What is the impact of the tobacco mosaic virus on crop yield?

  It reduces crop yield for farmers
• Is there a cure for the tobacco mosaic virus?

  No, there is no cure
• What must farmers do to manage the tobacco mosaic virus?

  Reduce infection and spread of the virus
• What does HIV stand for?

  Human immunodeficiency virus.
• How is HIV transmitted?

  Through body fluids, so unprotected sex and sharing dirty needles with others.
• What are the symptoms of HIV?

  The symptoms of HIV are mild, flu-like symptoms for a week or two and then there are no symptoms.
• What type of disease is measles?

  Viral disease
• How is measles transmitted?

  Through the air in tiny droplets
• What symptoms does measles cause?

  Fever and skin rash
• Who is most often affected by measles?

  Young children
• What is the vaccination status of children in developed countries regarding measles?

  Many are given vaccines against measles
• What is a significant issue regarding measles vaccination worldwide?

  Not all children receive vaccines globally
• What serious effect can measles infection cause in adults?

  Infertility
• What can measles infection lead to in adults who did not catch it as children?

  More serious effects like infertility
• What are the key characteristics of measles?

  • Very infectious viral disease
  • Transmitted through air droplets
  • Symptoms include fever and skin rash
  • Primarily affects young children
  • Vaccination status varies globally
  • Can cause infertility in adults