viruses

• What are viruses considered to be?

  Organisms, though not living cells
• How do viruses reproduce?

  By using a host cell's machinery
• What happens when viruses burst a host cell?

  They release new viruses to infect others
• Why do viruses make us feel ill?

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

  By droplets from coughing or sneezing
• What symptoms does measles cause?

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

  Most people are vaccinated as children
• 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 is AIDS?

  A disease where the immune system is weak
• How do anti-retroviral drugs help HIV patients?

  They prevent the virus from replicating
• What does the tobacco mosaic virus affect?

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

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

  It disrupts photosynthesis in affected areas
• What is the size comparison of viruses to animal cells?

  About 10,000 times smaller
• What is the main reason viruses cause illness?

  They damage our cells during infection