Learning outcome Learning outcome At the end of this topic be able to: State the criteria used for naming viruses Explain why do we name viruses Describe how we name…

Why do we name viruses? Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatising. It also gives us a standard format to…

How do we name viruses? There are several criteria which are used to name viruses. The naming criteria include; Virus morphology corona= crown-like rabdo= rod-like arena= sand-like toga= cloak rota=…

Viruses cause diseases in humans, animals and other organisms through a multi-step process that involves invading host cells, reproducing within those cells, and subsequently causing cell damage or death. Entry…

Course Content Learning outcomes General Characteristics of Viruses Living and non-living characteristics of viruses Laboratory cultivation of viruses The size of viruses Study questions for Topic 2

Viruses are unique entities that possess certain general characteristics distinct from living organisms. While they are not classified as living organisms due to their inability to carry out metabolic processes…

Living and non-living characteristics of viruses Are Viruses Alive? The best analogy is that of a seed which under appropriate conditions, it becomes ‘‘alive’’ A virus differs in that it…

Viruses, unlike living organisms, cannot carry out metabolic processes or replicate on their own. They lack the necessary cellular machinery for growth and reproduction. As a result, viruses rely on…

Topic 2: Characteristics of viruses The size of viruses Viruses exhibit a wide range of sizes, and their dimensions can vary significantly depending on the type of virus. Generally, viruses…