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Virus Introduction. What is a Virus?. A small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the cells of other organisms, bacteria, plants or animals. Consists of at least two of three parts Genetic material, DNA or RNA (retro virus) Protein coat that protects the genetic material - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Virus Introduction
What is a Virus? A small infectious agent that can replicate
only inside the cells of other organisms, bacteria, plants or animals.
Consists of at least two of three parts Genetic material, DNA or RNA (retro virus) Protein coat that protects the genetic material Possible lipid membrane
How do they compare to Bacteria?
They both can cause disease and have a similar structure
Are viruses alive? Viruses have characteristics that may
classify them as living. They also have characteristics that classify
them as non-living
They have no metabolism and cannot reproduce on their own so they do not qualify as a living organism.
How small are viruses?
Viruses are typically 20 – 400 nm
Bacteria are typically 1000 nm
4 Shapes of a virus Helical
Icosahedral
Envelope
Complex
Virus discovery and origin
In 1884 by French microbiologist Charles Chamberland
Origin is unclear because they do not leave behind any fossils or life evidence
The viruses that have been preserved by scientists date back about 90 years
There are 3 different theories of possible origin
1. Regressive Viruses may have been small cells that
parasitized larger cells and then lost unnecessary genes
2. Cellular May have evolved from bits of DNA, RNA or
plasmids that may have escaped or been lost 3. Coevolution
May have evolved from complex proteins and genetic material at the same time as cells first originated and are dependant on cells to stay in existence