Microbiology Notes

Viruses Viruses are non-cellular structures that are capable of reproduction, but only when they use a cells machinery. Common viruses cause the flu, mumps, measles, smallpox, Hepatitis, and HIV. Some are believed to cause cancer. They are 5-200 nm long and electron microscopes are needed to see them. Head Prokaryotic Cells: 1000 - 10 000 nm in size Eukaryotic Cells: 10 000 - 1 000 000 nm in size Viruses are made of at least 2 parts: 1. *an outer coat of protein - capsid 2. *an inner core of nucleic acid - RNA and DNA 3. sometimes they have a disguise, an outer envelope made of membrane Viruses are known for their ability to attack and kill cells. They are able to kill or hurt plants, animals, fungi, or even bacteria. Viruses can attack only 1 type of cell; they are very specific. The head of the virus holds the information. The tail of the virus is for attachment. All viruses can do the lytic cycle. Overview of the Lytic Cycle 1. 2. 3. 4. the virus enters the cell it makes millions of copies of itself and lyses the cell Attachment (and injection of viral DNA) Synthesis (Replication) of Viral Parts Combining of Viral Parts Lysis/Exocytosis + Tail = Capsid

What is lysis? the cell wall or membrane bursts and releases new viruses

What is exocytosis? exo = exit cyt = cell osis = process

some viruses (eg. HIV) trick the cell into exocytosing it this will allow the virus to be coated in membrane see diagram below

Lysogenic Cycle Some viruses can do the lysogenic cycle: 1. Instead of killing the cell, it joins the cells nucleus. 2. When joined to the cells nucleus, it is called a prophage. 3. Both daughter cells have the virus. When unfavourable environmental conditions occur (like sudden changes in temperature and availability of nutrients), the prophage goes into the lytic cycle. For example, you get cold sores when stressed. The prophage may block other viruses from coming into the cell, or it could add useful DNA to the host cell. For example, the lambda virus allows E. Coli (a bacteria) to make important amino acids. Immune System how your body fights off diseases and infection two main types of defenses: 1. Non-specific defenses are defenses that work on all types of bacteria: skin (best defense) - physical barrier that prevents bacteria from getting into blood earwax - gooey stuff that traps bacteria nose hair

lysozymes - specialized enzymes in tears stomach acid - kills a lot of bacteria normal flora - good bacteria that block bad bacteria from getting into your body Inside your body you have many different types of white blood cells. Phagocytes, macrophage, and monocytes are non-specific. They eat pathogens (bad things in your body that make you sick) in a process called phagocytosis. 2. There are 3 main types of cells involved in the specific defenses: Killer T-Cells kill your own cells that have been infected. This prevents millions of viruses from being released. B-Cells make proteins called antibodies. Antibodies will surround the virus and make it unable to attach to cells. They respond to certain antigens (anything foreign in your body) on the surface of the virus.

Helper T-Cells warn other cells that the body is under attack. HIV kills helper T-cells so that the immune system never fully activates. HIV is also tricky because it changes its shape and has a membrane disguise.

Why can you not get chickenpox or another disease twice? After you have a successful primary response to an antigen, your body makes memory cells. Memory cells make antibodies right away and do not need confirmation by helper T-cells. This means the virus will be caught before you get sick. A primary response needs 5-6 days to kick in and make antibodies, and you might be sick for about 3 days while your body fights the pathogens. A secondary response will activate in about 2 days, and you will not get sick. How do vaccinations work? you give someone dead or weakened virus (or bacteria) to help them make a primary response and memory cells this will protect you for 10-15 years first vaccination was for smallpox using a similar antigen in cowpox

Allergies are when the body overreacts to a non-harmful antigen (eg. dust, cat hair). Your body releases histamines which cause swelling and excess fluid to come to the area.