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22 Biology -- Virus

define virus and write its genetic material.

define virus and write its genetic material.

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A virus is a small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of other organisms, such as animals, plants, and bacteria. It consists of a genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat, and sometimes also an outer lipid membrane envelope.

The genetic material of a virus can be either DNA or RNA, but not both. Some viruses have single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) as their genetic material, while others have double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Similarly, some viruses have single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) as their genetic material, while others have double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). There are also some viruses that have RNA as their genetic material, but they use a reverse transcriptase enzyme to convert their RNA into DNA before replicating it in the host cell.

In summary, the genetic material of a virus can be one of the following:

  • Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)
  • Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)
  • Single-stranded RNA (ssRNA)
  • Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)
  • RNA that is reverse-transcribed into DNA before replication (e.g. retroviruses)

More questions on Virus

Why is virus considered as biological puzzle or biological enigma?

Viruses act like non living substances outside the host cell however inside the host cell they show living characters, behaving like both living and nonliving things because of which they are also called biological enigma or puzzle.

list out some viral diseases caused by virus in human being with the name of virus responsible for those diseases.

Sure, here are some examples of viral diseases that affect humans and the viruses that cause them:

  1. COVID-19: caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
  2. Influenza: caused by the influenza virus.
  3. Measles: caused by the measles virus.
  4. Mumps: caused by the mumps virus.
  5. Rubella: caused by the rubella virus.
  6. Polio: caused by the poliovirus.
  7. Rabies: caused by the rabies virus.
  8. HIV/AIDS: caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  9. Ebola virus disease: caused by the Ebola virus.
  10. Zika virus disease: caused...

List out each 5 living and non living characters of virus.

Living Characteristics:

  1. Reproduction: Viruses have the ability to reproduce, although they require a host cell to do so.
  2. Genetic Material: Viruses have genetic material, either DNA or RNA, which they use to replicate inside host cells.
  3. Evolution: Viruses can evolve over time and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
  4. Mutations: Viruses can mutate, which can sometimes lead to new strains or variants of the virus.
  5. Infectivity: Viruses are highly infectious and can rapidly spread through...

Describe the structure of virus (bacteriophage).

Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are viruses that infect bacteria. The structure of a typical bacteriophage can be divided into two main components: a head or capsid and a tail.

The head or capsid of the bacteriophage contains the viral genetic material, either DNA or RNA, and is composed of protein subunits called capsomeres. The shape and size of the capsid can vary depending on the type of bacteriophage, but it is typically icosahedral (20-sided) or cylindrical.

The tail of the...

List out some economical importance of virus.

Viruses can have both positive and negative economic impacts depending on the context. Here are some examples of the economic importance of viruses:

  1. Medical research: Viruses have played a crucial role in medical research, including the development of vaccines, antiviral drugs, and gene therapy. This research has led to the development of treatments for a wide range of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis, and COVID-19.

  2. Biotechnology: Viruses are used in biotechnology applications, such as the...

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