Microbiology Assignment DUE 08/28/13

Appendix D

SCI/250 Version 3

1

Review Figure 10.1 of Microbiology: Principles and Explorations. Determine what the functions of the following components are:

Component

Function

Capsid

Envelope

Nucleic acid

Spikes (glycoproteins)

Respond to Critical Thinking Question 1 in Ch. 10 of Microbiology: Principles and Explorations in the space that follows.

The extreme simplicity of viruses eliminates most of the vulnerable features found in cellular organisms such as bacteria. Antibacterial products commonly attack cell walls, plasma membranes, and cytoplasm, none of which are present in viruses.

Using two or three sentences, explain in your own words how viruses are classified by type of nucleic acid, capsid shape, and presence of envelope.

Explanation

Capsid shape

Presence of envelope

Review Ch. 10 of Microbiology: Principles and Explorations. Briefly describe each of the stages of viral reproduction.

Stage

Description

Absorption

Penetration

Synthesis

Maturation

Release

Looking at the five steps in viral replication, can you identify some promising ways to prevent or control viral infections?

Would you classify viruses as living, nonliving, or semiliving? Explain your answer.

Review Table 10.7 of Microbiology: Principles and Explorations. Define the following types of viruses and viruslike agents.

Virus/Viruslike agent

Definition

Satellites

Viroids

Prions

Respond to the following questions in the space that follows. Can viruses cause cancer? Does it matter if the virus is composed of DNA or RNA? Explain your answers.