viruses

• What are viruses considered to be?

  Organisms
• How do viruses reproduce?

  By using another organism's cell machinery
• What happens when a virus reproduces inside a cell?

  The cell bursts, releasing new viruses
• Why do viruses make us feel ill?

  They damage our bodies during reproduction
• How is the measles virus spread?

  By droplets from coughing or sneezing
• What are the symptoms of measles?

  Red rash and fever
• Why is measles rare in the UK?

  Most people are vaccinated against it
• How is HIV primarily spread?

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

  Human immunodeficiency virus
• What happens when someone first catches HIV?

  They may experience flu-like symptoms
• What occurs as HIV progresses in the body?

  The immune system becomes increasingly damaged
• What is AIDS?

  A syndrome where the immune system fails
• How has the treatment for HIV changed over time?

  Antiretroviral drugs prevent virus replication
• What is the effect of antiretroviral drugs on HIV patients?

  They can live normal lives with treatment
• What does the tobacco mosaic virus affect?

  Certain plant species like tobacco
• Why is it called the tobacco mosaic virus?

  It causes a mosaic pattern on leaves
• What is the impact of tobacco mosaic virus on plants?

  It hinders photosynthesis and growth
• What are the main characteristics of viruses?

  • Not cells and not living
  • About 10,000 times smaller than animal cells
  • Cannot reproduce independently
  • Require a host cell to replicate