Structural Differences Between Icosahedral, Helical, and Complex Viruses:
Icosahedral Viruses: These viruses have a symmetrical, roughly spherical shape, resembling a
twenty-sided polyhedron called an icosahedron.
Helical Viruses: Helical viruses have a cylindrical or rod-like shape. They consist of a single
type of protein subunit arranged in a helical structure around a central axis.
Complex Viruses: Complex viruses may include elements of both icosahedral and helical
symmetry, along with additional components as commented by Gómez-Márquez (2020).
They often have a complex outer protein shell (capsid) surrounding their genetic material, as
well as tail fibers or other appendages used for attachment and infection.
Are Viruses Considered 'Cells'? Why or Why Not?
Since viruses lack the key properties of live cells, they are not regarded as cells. They lack
biological components like organelles and a cell membrane, yet they do have genetic material
(DNA or RNA) like cells do. Viruses need host cells to replicate and spread since they are
unable to carry out metabolic functions on their own. Consequently, according to Farnsworth
(2021) viruses are commonly considered as "obligate intracellular parasites" or non-living
organisms.
Negative Aspects and Positive Uses of Viruses:
Negative Aspects:
Disease and Infection: Viruses are responsible for a wide range of infectious diseases
in humans, animals, and plants. Examples include influenza, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and
COVID-19.
Economic Impact: Viral infections can have significant economic consequences due
to healthcare costs, lost productivity, and disruption of industries such as agriculture
and tourism.
Emerging Viruses: Viruses have the potential to emerge or re-emerge, leading to
outbreaks or pandemics. Factors such as urbanization, globalization, and
environmental changes can contribute to the spread of viruses.
Positive Uses:
Biotechnology and Research: Viruses are useful instruments for studying molecular
biology and biotechnology. They serve as vectors for the synthesis of recombinant
proteins, gene delivery, and gene therapy.
Vaccines: Vaccines are developed using weakened or inactivated forms of viruses to
stimulate the immune system and provide immunity against specific diseases.
Vaccination programs have been instrumental in controlling and eradicating infectious
diseases worldwide.
Biological Control: Certain viruses, such as bacteriophages, can be used to control
bacterial populations in environments like agriculture, food processing, and
wastewater treatment.
References
Farnsworth, K. D. (2021). An organisational systems-biology view of viruses explains why
they are not alive. Biosystems, 200, 104324.
Gómez-Márquez, J. (2020). What is life? Are viruses living entities?.
