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The diagram shows a virus attached to a host cell - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 6 - 2010
Question 6
The diagram shows a virus attached to a host cell. (i) What is part A made of ? (ii) What is part B made of ? (b) Briefly describe how viruses reproduce. (c) Dur... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows a virus attached to a host cell - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 6 - 2010
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Briefly describe how viruses reproduce.
Answer
Viruses reproduce through a process involving several key steps:
- Attachment: The virus attaches to the surface of a host cell using specific receptors.
- Entry: The viral nucleic acid is injected into the host cell while the protective protein coat remains outside.
- Replication: The host cell's machinery is hijacked to replicate the viral nucleic acid and synthesize viral proteins.
- Assembly: New viral particles are assembled within the host cell using the replicated nucleic acid and newly formed proteins.
- Release: Finally, the newly formed viruses are released from the host cell, often causing the cell to lyse (break apart), allowing the virus to infect new cells.
Step 4
Using your knowledge of the immune system, suggest a reason for this.
Answer
Younger people are typically less exposed to various pathogens compared to older individuals, which may leave them with fewer antibodies or memory cells ready to combat new infections like swine flu. In contrast, older people often have a more developed immune response due to previous exposures to different strains of viruses, allowing them to mount a quicker, more effective response when confronted with similar new infections.