Viruses
Viruses
Viruses (pronounced: /ˈvʌɪrəsɛz/), from the Latin virus meaning 'poison', are microscopic infectious agents that replicate only inside the living cells of an organism. Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea.
Structure
Viruses are composed of a core of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protective coat called a capsid which is made up of protein. Some viruses also have a fatty envelope covering the capsid. The shapes of viruses range from simple helical and icosahedral forms to more complex structures.
Replication
Viruses replicate through a process called the lytic cycle. In this cycle, a virus will attach to a host cell, inject its genetic material, and use the host's cellular machinery to replicate its genetic material and viral proteins. The new viruses then burst out of the host cell and infect other cells.
Classification
Viruses are classified into families and genera based on their type of nucleic acid, their structure, their method of replication, and their host organisms. The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) is responsible for the classification and nomenclature of viruses.
Diseases
Viruses are responsible for a wide range of diseases in humans, animals, and plants. These include common human diseases such as the common cold, influenza, and chickenpox, as well as more serious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention of viral diseases is achieved primarily through vaccination, which stimulates the body's immune response to specific viruses. Treatment of viral diseases is usually focused on relieving symptoms, although antiviral drugs can inhibit viral replication.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Viruses
- Wikipedia's article - Viruses
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