Biology and Viral Epidemics Review

Practice flashcards to help review key concepts on biology and the relationship between animal eating habits and viral epidemics.

What do all living organisms obey according to the first law of biology?

The laws of thermodynamics.

What does the second law of biology state about living organisms?

All living organisms consist of membrane-encased cells.

What do all living organisms obey according to the first law of biology?

The laws of thermodynamics.

What does the second law of biology state about living organisms?

All living organisms consist of membrane-encased cells.

What is the first corollary to the third law of biology?

All living organisms contain homologous macromolecules derived from a common ancestor.

How do RNA viruses evolve in comparison to DNA viruses?

RNA viruses evolve faster than DNA viruses because RNA is less stable.

What is the significance of the viral spike (S) protein in SARS-CoV-2?

It binds to ACE2 cell surface receptors and is important for vaccine development.

What is the fatality rate of the Marburg virus?

Up to 90% fatality rate.

What caused the outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)?

The recycling of waste parts of infected sheep and cattle in cattle feed.

What does antigenic drift refer to?

Gradual change in mutations leading to adaptations and accumulation of point mutations over time.

What is the main difference between antigenic drift and antigenic shift?

Drift is gradual mutation while shift involves recombination of genetic components from different viruses.

Which viruses are common zoonotic pathogens that have jumped to humans?

SARS-CoV-1, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2.

What type of prion disease can result from consuming infected human brain tissue?

Kuru.