Viruses+JO


 * 7.1 (p.122-124) and Avian Flu p. 125**

outside a host they are basically just chemicals. when opportunity presents itself they will take over a cell and thus appear living. **Give some examples of diseases caused by viruses.** colds flus measles chicken pox polio rabies AIDS gentile warts gentile herpes
 * Why are viruses not exactly living or nonliving?**

two parts: outter capsid composed of protein units and an inner core made of nucleic acid. also carries its genetic information. Why are viruses like microscopic pirates? they commandeer the metabolic machinery of a host cell. it relies on hosts for reproduction.
 * What is the basic structure of a virus? (The two parts and their function)**

Why are viruses considered OBLIGATE parasites? they always do because they can change from host to host not allowing for medicine to catch up, not only that but since their hosts are our cells, we would be killing our cells in order to kill the virus.
 * Why do viruses ALWAYS cause disease?**

it emerges by being transported to places it hasn't been before. it happens when a mutation allows the virus to use new and different insect vector. they emerge because of the inability of the immune system to recognize the change in the virus.
 * How do viruses "emerge" and "spread" each year? Give examples.**

What is a virus vector? Give examples,
 * What is the relationship of bird flu to birds?**they are mainly carriers but some are starting to show more serious symptoms.
 * How does bird flu infect humans?**by infecting domesticated poultry and birds, like chicken, it allows it to jump species. just being in close contact with the infected proved to be a way to catch it. it has been approximated to kill about 1/3 of the infected.

worldwide disease. **Why is there fear that bird flu could cause a pandemic?** there is fear of a merge between a human virus and the bird flu...
 * What is a pandemic?**

the removal of infected birds and also researchers are striving for a cure.
 * What action can we take to prevent a bird flu pandemic?**