Viruses and Bacteria

Viruses Are they alive? No cells, do not use their own energy to grow or respond Can’t make food, take in food, or produce waste. They can multiply, but need a host cell. (parasitism)

2 Types of Viruses Active virus- upon entering the cell the virus immediately goes into action. Hidden virus- does not affect the cell right away, lays dormant for months or years until stimulated to become active i.e. cold sores

2 Structural Components Protein coat- each virus contains unique surface proteins which only attach to certain cells in the host. Genetic material in the core.

Reproduction Once the virus has attached to a complementary host it injects its own genetic material into the cell and takes over.

The cell burst open, releasing the newly formed viruses that will attach to new hosts and the process will continue. Viruses’ only job is to reproduce.

Some viruses Influenza Herpes HIV

Bacteria Alive? Prokaryotes Lack many of the organelles found in eukaryotic cells. Flagellum- used for locomotion

Reproduction Most go through asexual reproduction Binary fission- cell splits, two exact copies.

The Good, Produce oxygen Food production Digestion Decomposers (N compounds) Clean up Fuel

The Bad, Strep throat Pneumonia Food poisoning Cholera

And the ugly Anthrax Bubonic plague

Transmission Through contact with an infected person(animal) or contaminated object. -inhaled -through open wound -mucus membranes

Treatment No medicines cure viral infections Antibiotics kill bacterial infections

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Overuse of antibiotics causes bacteria to become immune to medicine. -taking antibiotics when you have a cold -animals receive antibiotics to prevent illness costs?

Prevention Wash hands Clean surfaces Vaccines- a substance that stimulates the body to produce chemicals that destroy viruses or bacteria. Usually made from dead viruses or bacteria