3.1.4

Viruses

Test yourself

Viruses

Viruses are tiny, non-living (do not have cells) particles that can reproduce rapidly within the body.

Illustrative background for InvasionIllustrative background for Invasion ?? "content

Invasion

  • To survive and replicate, they invade host cells (animals or plant cells).
Illustrative background for ReplicationIllustrative background for Replication ?? "content

Replication

  • The virus particle inserts its own DNA into the host cell’s DNA, which is then copied and used to make more viruses.
Illustrative background for Invaded cells burstIllustrative background for Invaded cells burst ?? "content

Invaded cells burst

  • Once the new virus particles have been synthesised (made), they cause the cell to burst.
  • This releases the new viruses to invade more cells.
Illustrative background for IllnessIllustrative background for Illness ?? "content

Illness

  • This cell damage makes us feel ill.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson