Intro to Viruses

Intro to Viruses

Pathogens

Pathogens cause disease. Examples of pathogens include:

- Bacteria (salmonella, pneumonia)

- Fungi (althlete's foot, ringworm)

- Viruses (cold, flu, Covid)

Recall The Cell Theory

• All organisms are made of cells,

• Cells are the basic structures of living things,

• All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Viruses are not cells

Viruses are not truly living because they are not cells. They do have some things in common with organisms, such as containing genetic material. A virus's genetic material can be either DNA or RNA.

Video Segements

You will watch segments of the Amoeba Sisters' video, Viruses. Click on the preview photo to start each segment, then answer the questions.

Multiple Choice

Are viruses cells?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Compared to a cell, a virus is

• bigger

• about the same size

• smaller

Multiple Choice

A bacteriophage is a

• bacteria that attacks viruses

• a virus that attacks bacteria

Multiple Select

What are the basic parts of a virus? (choose 2)

• genetic material

• nucleus

• protein coat

• ribosomes

Multiple Choice

To make copies of itself, a virus needs

• glucose

• the right host

• oxygen

Multiple Select

Which types of organisms can be hosts for viruses? Check all that apply.

• Plants

• Animals

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Viruses do not need a host

Multiple Choice

After a virus replicates (reproduces), it leaves the cell by

• passing through a pore in the membrane

• causing the cell to explode (lysis)

• the virus does not leave the host cell

Multiple Choice

Can a host cell survive lysis?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

When a virus adds its genetic material to the host's cell it is

• Lysis

• Lysogenesis

• Diffusion

Multiple Choice

Which event is least likely to cause the lysogenic cycle to happen in a host?

• eating fruits and vegetables

• chemical exposure

• lack of food

Multiple Choice

HIV is a particularly bad virus because

• it can make the host more likely to have other infections

• it can be treated with antibiotics

Multiple Select

Which of these are benefits of viruses? (Choose 2)

• use of viruses for gene therapy

• killing insect pests

• replacement of vaccines

• testing antibiotics