Viral Reproduction

Inhibiting the growth of viruses is an important concept in controlling the spread of diseases. Unfortunately, this is not an easy process because viruses have many different modes of reproduction. As you begin to learn about viruses, focus first on these questions.

• What is a virus?
• Generally, how is a virus constructed anatomically?
• Can viruses live outside a host cell?
• Are viruses living? Defend your answer.

Viruses can infect a variety of host cells. This can occur because the protein coat of a virus can "recognize" specific receptor sites on the cell surface. Several viruses can recognize several different host species. The swine flu virus affects both humans and swine, while the rabies virus can infect a wide range of mammalian species.

To best understand viruses, you should begin by selecting a specific group. Which group of viruses do you want to study?

• animal viruses
• plant viruses
• bacterial viruses