Viruses

Here is a link to get you started on your virus research:

http://biology.about.com/od/virology/ss/viruses.htm

Complete the following questions - you can either post the answers on your blog, or complete on paper...

Part One - 

1.  Describe the general structure of a virus.
2.  What is the genetic material that can be found in a virus?
3.  Draw & label (or find a really good picture to post) of a bacteriophage (a virus that infects a bacteria).  Make sure to include the capsid, DNA, & tail fibers.
4.  Find examples of both plant and animal viruses.
5.  Do you think that viruses are living or non-living?  Explain your answer.
6.  Are their beneficial viruses?

Part Two -

Research and describe an epidemic caused by a virus (be careful - bacteria can cause epidemics as well!)
Include the following:

• What is it's vector / way of being transmitted?
• What were the effects / symptoms?
• How many deaths were caused?
• When & where in the world was the epidemic?
• What were the circumstances that created the epidemic?
• Add pics / video / links to more information.

Read and comment on someone else's research.  Try to start a conversation - ask a question that shows you have thought about their post.  What else do you want to know?  Have they answered all the questions above?  Is the information clear?