Viruses

Part One - 

1.  Describe the general structure of a virus.
     A virus is very simple with either DNA or RNA (nucleic acids) which is contained in a protein shell or coat. It is                  typically 15-25 nano-metres in diameter.
2.  What is the genetic material that can be found in a virus?
     The genetic material that can be found in a virus is either a double stranded DNA or RNA, or a single stranded DNA or      RNA. The specific type of genetic material depends on the virus and its function. 
3.  Draw & label (or find a really good picture to post) of a bacteriophage (a virus that infects a bacteria).  Make sure to include the capsid, DNA, & tail fibers.

     
4.  Find examples of both plant and animal viruses.
Animal Virus

Plant Virus

5.  Do you think that viruses are living or non-living?  Explain your answer.
     I think viruses are living because they are able to reproduce. Although they need a host cell, I believe that that is a            physical reflection of what all humans need emotionally. Also they have genetic material. 
     Non-Living:
     - don't reproduce without host
     - no metabolism, no nutrition
     - lack organelles.
6.  Are their beneficial viruses?   
     There are beneficial viruses such as cowpox. In the past, people were injected with it because it would help their bodies would grow immunity. This would prevent deadly smallpox as well.

Part Two -

Research and describe an epidemic caused by a virus (be careful - bacteria can cause epidemics as well!) 

Include the following:
1. What is it's vector / way of being transmitted?
    Transmission occurs when water or food is contaminated with the feces of an infected person. In the developed world it     is more common to be infected by seafood.
2. What were the effects / symptoms?
    Painless diarrhea and vomiting of clear liquid. This causes severe dehydration. Symptoms become apparent 1-5 days         after infection. 
3. How many deaths were caused?
     100,000–130,000 deaths a year as of 2010
4. When & where in the world was the epidemic?
    Began in India but spread worldwide in the 19th century.
5. What were the circumstances that created the epidemic?
   "cholera organisms grow best at a temperatures above 17°C, and in a nutrient broth with a [NaCl] of 5-15 parts per million, well below       hat of the open ocean, but above that of freshwater. Those conditions are met in the estuaries by episodes of heavy rains in the                     spring, and appear to be absolutely essential to establishing an ecological setting favoring an outbreak" (medical ecology)
6. Add pics / video / links to more information.
   http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-worst-epidemics.htm
   http://www.medicalecology.org/water/cholera/cholera.htm
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholera
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG1VNSCsP5Q