Biology TEKS 4.C: Viruses

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What is a virus?

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A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism.

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How do viruses differ from living organisms?

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Viruses do not have cellular structures, cannot reproduce independently, and do not carry out metabolic processes.

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What is the structure of a virus?

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A virus typically consists of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid.

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What is a host cell?

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A host cell is a living cell that a virus infects in order to replicate and produce new virus particles.

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What is viral replication?

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Viral replication is the process by which a virus invades a host cell and uses the cell's machinery to produce new virus particles.

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What are the different types of viruses?

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Viruses can be classified into several types, including DNA viruses, RNA viruses, retroviruses, and bacteriophages.

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What is a bacteriophage?

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A bacteriophage is a type of virus that specifically infects and replicates within bacteria.

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What is the role of the immune system in fighting viruses?

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The immune system identifies and destroys virus-infected cells and produces antibodies to neutralize viruses.

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What is a vaccine?

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A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease by stimulating the immune system.

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How do vaccines work against viruses?

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Vaccines expose the immune system to a harmless component of the virus, prompting it to recognize and fight the actual virus if encountered.