Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: Virus Talk with Josh and Chuck
Mar 21, 2020
Delve into the sneaky world of viruses that invade our cells and wreak havoc on our health. Discover how the common cold operates and the strange debate on whether viruses are alive or not. Explore the fascinating mechanics of viral infection and how they hijack host cells for replication. Uncover myths about contagion, and learn the body's fierce battle against infections. Plus, journey through history to see how burial practices shifted during plague times, linking faith and mortality to the ongoing struggle with diseases.
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Viruses: A Biological Paradox
- Viruses blur the lines between living and non-living things.
- They lack the independent reproduction capabilities of living organisms.
The Tiny but Mighty Virus
- Viruses are incredibly tiny, thousands of times smaller than bacteria.
- They can infect any living organism, from bacteria and seaweed to donkeys and humans.
Anatomy of a Virion
- A single virus particle is called a virion.
- Virions consist of genetic instructions (DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat (capsid), sometimes with an additional lipid envelope.
