First Scoop To Virology.
As promised, here's the first scoop into virology!
http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/book/virol-sta.htm
To start off, virology is the study of viruses, complexes of nucleic acids and proteins that are able to replicate in plant, animal and bacterial cells. Viruses take over the functions of the host cells on which they are parasites in order to replicate themselves. The cell undergoes certain changes, especially in its antigenicity due to the presence of viral parasite. Also, directing the host cell's metabolism to the production of new virus particles may lead to cellular death. Virally-induced cell death, changes in antigenicity and the response of the host to the presence of the virus cause the manifestations of viral disease.
http://www.microbeworld.org/microbes/virus/default.aspx
So then, what are viruses exactly?
Well, a virus is basically a tiny bundle of genetic material—either DNA or RNA—carried in a shell called the viral coat, or capsid, which is made up of bits of protein called capsomeres. Some viruses have an additional layer around this coat called an envelope.
Viruses cannot metabolize nutrients, produce and excrete wastes, move around on their own, or even reproduce unless they are inside another organism’s cells. In fact, viruses are not even cells! However, they have been the important factor in shaping the history of life on our planet by shuffling and redistributing genes in and among organisms as well as causing diseases in plants and animlas. Viruses have been the causes in numerous human diseases such as smallpox, flu, AIDS, certain types of cancer and the common cold.
Rotavirus
http://www.microbeworld.org/microbes/virus/default.aspx
Type A flu virus
http://www.microbeworld.org/microbes/virus/default.aspx
Cowpea virus
http://www.microbeworld.org/microbes/virus/default.aspx
Next up, we shall look into the viral replication strategies. So don't forget to check it out! :D
