Viruses

destroys

After a virus becomes active, it replicates and __ its host cell.

mutate

As viruses replicate, their DNA or RNA frequently change or ___

vaccine

A mixture containing material from one or more deactivated pathogens such as viruses that can prevent infections is a(n)

virus

A strand of DNA or RNA surrounded by a layer of protein that can infect and replicate in a host cell.

cells

A virus can infect __ and cause illnesses.

natural immunity

Develops when a mother passes antibodies to her unborn baby.

antiviral medicines

Drugs that are used to treat and prevent viral infections are called___

Wash your hands! Limit contact with infected persons, take vaccines when available, and improve your immune system (by eating healthy & getting enough sleep).

How can you prevent viral infections?

Smaller than bacteria. They contain no nucleus or organelles. Made of RNA or DNA and surrounded by a capsid.

Identify characteristics of a virus.

Answers may vary (examples include HIV, influenza, ebola, chicken pox, etc..)

Name at least four viral diseases.

host

The living cell that a virus infects is called a(n)

acquired immunity

Type of immunity you develop after you have some viral diseases and your body makes antibodies for the disease.

gene therapy

Viruses are being tested as treatments for genetic disorders and cancer using__

plants

Viruses can also affect other animals and ___

replicate

Viruses must take control of a specific kind of cell to ____ or make copies of itself.

Crystal, cylinder, sphere, and bacteriophage.

What are some shapes that viruses may have?

An illness that is contagious such as the cold, flu, or chickenpox.

What is a communicable disease?

A disease that is not infectious or contagious such as cancer, diabetes, or asthma.

What is a non-communicable disease?

latent

When a virus enters a cell, it can be __ for years before taking over the cell.

antibodies

When a virus infects someone, the body makes ___ that prevent the virus from attaching to cells.

They do not have all the characteristics of a living organism.

Why are viruses not considered living?

They mutate quickly.

Why can it be difficult to cure or prevent viral diseases?