Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

17. Viruses

Viruses

General Biology

17. Viruses

Viruses

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1:29 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

To cause a human pandemic, the H5N1 avian flu virus would have to
a. Spread to primates such as chimpanzees.
b. Develop into a virus with a different host range.
c. Become capable of human-to-human transmission.
d. Become much more pathogenic.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the nature of the H5N1 avian flu virus: It primarily infects birds and occasionally humans, but it does not easily spread between humans.

Consider the requirements for a virus to cause a pandemic: A pandemic occurs when a virus spreads widely and rapidly among humans across multiple countries or continents.

Evaluate the options given: a. Spread to primates such as chimpanzees, b. Develop into a virus with a different host range, c. Become capable of human-to-human transmission, d. Become much more pathogenic.

Focus on option c: For a virus to cause a human pandemic, it must be able to spread efficiently from human to human. This is a key factor in pandemic potential.

Reflect on the implications: While increased pathogenicity (option d) could make the virus more dangerous, the ability to spread between humans (option c) is crucial for a pandemic.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

H5N1 Avian Flu Virus

The H5N1 avian flu virus is a subtype of the influenza virus that primarily infects birds but can occasionally infect humans. It is known for its high mortality rate in humans, though human infections are rare. Understanding its transmission and mutation potential is crucial for assessing pandemic risks.

Human-to-Human Transmission

Human-to-human transmission refers to the ability of a virus to spread directly between humans, which is a critical factor in the development of a pandemic. For a virus like H5N1 to cause a pandemic, it must acquire mutations that allow it to efficiently transmit between humans, beyond its original avian hosts.

Host Range

Host range is the spectrum of host species that a virus can infect. A change in host range, such as the ability of H5N1 to infect humans more effectively, can occur through genetic mutations or reassortment. This adaptation is essential for a virus to cross species barriers and potentially lead to widespread outbreaks.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following characteristics, structures, or processes is common to both bacteria and viruses?

a. Metabolism

b. Ribosomes

c. Genetic material composed of nucleic acid

d. Cell division

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What does reverse transcriptase do?

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Emerging viruses arise by

a. Mutation of existing viruses.

b. The spread of existing viruses to new host species.

c. The spread of existing viruses more widely within their host species.

d. All of the above.

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Textbook Question

In the viral replicative cycle, what reaction do viral proteases catalyze?

Select True or False for each statement.

T/F They catalyze polymerization of amino acids into peptides.

T/F They catalyze folding of long peptide chains into functional proteins.

T/F They catalyze cutting of polyprotein chains into functional proteins.

T/F They catalyze breaking of peptide bonds

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Textbook Question

A bacterium is infected with an experimentally constructed bacteriophage composed of the T2 phage protein coat and T4 phage DNA. The new phages produced would have

a. T2 protein and T4 DNA.

b. T4 protein and T2 DNA.

c. T2 protein and T2 DNA.

d. T4 protein and T4 DNA.

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What features distinguish the seven major categories of viruses?

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The outer surface of a virion consists of either a membranous envelope or a protein capsid. How does the outer surface correlate with a virus's mode of exiting a host cell?

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To cause a human pandemic, the H5N1 avian flu virus would have to a. Spread to primates such as chimpanzees. b. Develop into a virus with a different host range. c. Become capable of human-to-human transmission. d. Become much more pathogenic.

Key Concepts

H5N1 Avian Flu Virus

Human-to-Human Transmission

Host Range

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To cause a human pandemic, the H5N1 avian flu virus would have to
a. Spread to primates such as chimpanzees.
b. Develop into a virus with a different host range.
c. Become capable of human-to-human transmission.
d. Become much more pathogenic.