Supplemental Reading Assignment

Biology 101

Are Viruses Alive?

1.) The word “Virus” comes from the Latin term for “Poison”.

2.) Wendell Stanly was the first to understand the nature of viruses through his investigation of the Tobacco Mosaic Virus.

3.) Once a virus gains entry into a cell, the next step is to release its genetic material.

4.) A viral genome is the Virus’ DNA.

5.) A virus can replicate in a cell whose nucleus has been destroyed, by basically taking over the remaining cytoplasm to replicate. Furthermore, it can make the machinery use its genes in order to assemble viral proteins and progressively replicate the viral genome.

6.) Viruses take up residence in cells, where they remain “hidden” (in most cases) for long periods of time and often take advantage of the cell’s replication “apparatus” to slowly reproduce at a steady rate. Furthermore, viruses have developed many ways to remain hidden from the Immune System and even become a critical part to the host’s genome. Basically, a virus can become an important function in a host’s genome because of the replication and mutation process that occurs!

7.) Two lethally damaged viruses in the same cell may rise “from the ashes” to create a functioning virus when a virus is destroyed by UV light. When this occurs, viruses can sometimes regain form and function (Rising from the dead/ashes).

8.) If we only view viruses as agents that harms cells, then that prevents us from understanding that Viruses are important and matter to life.

9.) They eukaryotic enzyme that the author proposes is derived from the viral gene is bacteria.

10.) Bacteria has Ribosomes present, while a Virus does not. In addition, Bacteria is a single cell (unicellular), while a Virus doesn’t have any cells. These are the best ways to distinguish a virus from bacteria.