What Is a Virus? - Examples of Viral Disease #36

• 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 host cell?

  It bursts the cell to release 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
• How common is measles in the UK?

  It's rare due to vaccinations
• 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 to the immune system after HIV infection?

  It becomes weak and prone to infections
• What is AIDS?

  A disease where the immune system fails
• How has the prognosis for AIDS changed?

  Medications allow normal life with HIV
• What is the name of the virus that affects plants?

  Tobacco mosaic virus
• What does the tobacco mosaic virus cause in plants?

  Mosaic patterns on leaves
• How does the tobacco mosaic virus affect photosynthesis?

  It prevents proper sugar production
• Why is the tobacco mosaic virus significant for certain plants?

  It limits their growth and health
• What are the key characteristics of viruses?

  • Not cells and not living
  • About 10,000 times smaller than animal cells
  • Cannot reproduce independently
  • Require host cells for replication