Lesson 5 (b): Virus Internalization (Viral membrane fusion)
Viral membrane fusion is the process by which enveloped viruses enter host cells. Fusion is the process of bringing two separate membrane bilayers (virus membrane and host cell membrane) into…
Lesson 5 (a): Virus Internalization (Phagocytosis)
Phagocytosis (cell eating) – occurs in specialized mammalian cells (so-called professional phagocytes, e.g., dendritic cells and macrophages) that engulf large and essential particles. Viral entry by this pathway typically involves…
Study questions: Introduction to virology
What is a virus? What are the two facts that provide an underlying simplicity and order to viruses? A viral genome must make mRNA: TRUE OR FALSE? Does it ever…
Lesson 6: Atypical viruses (prions, viroids, virusoids and Satellite Viruses)
The term “unconventional agents” or “atypical viruses” may be used to refer to viruses that possess unique characteristics, deviating from the typical features exhibited by most well-studied viruses. Viroids: Viroids…
Lesson 5: Beneficial Uses of Viruses in Biotechnology
Viruses have been utilized in various beneficial ways in biotechnology, leveraging their unique characteristics for different applications. Here are some examples of how viruses are employed in biotechnology: Gene Therapy:…
Lesson 3: Do Viruses Live and or Die?
Are Viruses Alive? Although viruses challenge our concept of what “living” means, they are vital members of the web of life The best analogy is that of a seed that…
Why is the monkeypox virus a threat to the Eastern Africa community?
The monkeypox virus poses a significant threat to the Eastern Africa community for several reasons: Endemic Nature: Monkeypox is endemic in certain parts of Central and West Africa, and there…
Why is the monkeypox virus a threat to the community?
The monkeypox virus is considered a threat to the community for several reasons: Transmission and Spread: Monkeypox can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal, as well…