Name: Karina Morales San Roman Matricula Number: 2967257

Name of the Course: Life Science Group: 422

Module 3: Biodiversity Teacher’s name: Martín Salinas Pérez

Date: 28/04/2022 Exercise 15: Viruses

References:
Mandal, A. (2013). What is a Virus? Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-
is-a-Virus.aspx
S, S. (2014, 19 febrero). Viruses: Definition, Characteristics, and Other Details (With Figure) |
Micro Biology. Your Article Library. Recuperado 28 de abril de 2022, de
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/micro-biology/viruses-definition-characteristics-and-other-
details-with-figure-micro-biology/26672
Poxviridae. (s. f.). Science Direct. Recuperado 28 de abril de 2022, de
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/poxviridae
Papovaviruses. (s. f.). National Library of Medicine. Recuperado 28 de abril de 2022, de
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7644/
retrovirus | Definition, Examples, Diseases, Replication, & Facts. (s. f.). Encyclopedia Britannica.
Recuperado 28 de abril de 2022, de https://www.britannica.com/science/retrovirus

Investigate the following triggering questions:

1. Identify the parts of viruses.

1.- Head
2.- Neck
3.- Tail Sheat
 4.- Baseplate
5.- Pins
6.- Long Tail Fibers
7.- DNA

2. Mention minimum six characteristics of viruses.

- They can mutate
- They have a capsid or head region that contains its genetic material
- The capsid is made of proteins and glycoproteins
- Are smaller than bacteria
- Consist of a single or double stranded nucleic acid (RNA or DNA), surrounded by a
protein shell called a capsid
- Some of them have a slightly more complicated replication cycle involving lytic and
lysogenic phases

3. Complete the following chart:

Virus Definition How it is acquired or

infected?
Poxviridae Group of viruses responsible Poxvirus infections typically
for a wide range of pox result in the formation of
diseases in humans and other lesions, skin nodules, or
animals. disseminated rash.
Papoviridae Family of double-stranded Respiratory secretions, such
DNA viruses that included as saliva or nasal mucus, and
the polyomaviruses and the also spread through blood or
papillomaviruses before they blood products.
were placed in their own
families
Retroviridae Group of viruses that Through sexual contact,
characteristically carry their infected blood or tissue
genetic blueprint in the form exposure, or during
of ribonucleic acid (RNA). pregnancy or childbirth from
an infected person

4. Make conclusions

This activity helped me to be aware that viruses are pieces of genetic information surrounded
by a protein or other forms of protection, also the role they play among us, how they can be
transmitted between living beings and how they are present, but It is also important to be
aware that there are some that are not only presented directly to humans, but are in our
environment.
Contribution 1 to the forum:
Hello Dana, it also seems to me that the viruses that we can contract are very easily found
everywhere, I don't know if you know but there are many drugs that kill bacteria, but very few
that can kill a virus; the best way to act against viruses is to prepare the immune system before
you get sick.

Contribution 2 to the forum:

Hi Sofia, I also think it is very important to know more about viruses, like what they are and
where we can find them, even some types of these, just like we did in this activity, that's why
I'm sending you the link of an article I found about that. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/viruses