🦠 GCSE Biology: Viruses & Viral Diseases

Virus

A microorganism that is not a cell, cannot reproduce on its own, and infects host cells to multiply.

Host Cell

The living cell that a virus invades and uses to replicate itself.

Cell Bursting

The process where a virus destroys a host cell to release new viruses.

Measles

A viral disease spread by droplets from coughs and sneezes, causing fever and a red rash.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A virus that weakens the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

A disease caused by HIV when the immune system becomes too weak to fight infections.

Flu-like Symptoms

Early symptoms of HIV, including fever, tiredness, and aches.

Sexual Contact

One way HIV spreads, through unprotected sex.

Bodily Fluids

Fluids such as blood that can transmit diseases like HIV when shared through activities like needle use.

Antiretroviral Drugs

Medications that prevent HIV from replicating and help people live normal lives.

Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)

A plant virus that affects tobacco and tomato plants, causing a mosaic-like leaf discoloration.

Mosaic Pattern

A patchy discoloration on plant leaves caused by TMV.

Photosynthesis Reduction

The effect of TMV on plants, preventing them from producing enough sugars for growth.

Viral Replication

The process where a virus hijacks a host cell to make copies of itself.

Vaccination

A method to prevent viral infections like measles by stimulating immunity.

Immune System

The body's defense against infections, which HIV weakens over time.

Droplet Transmission

The spread of diseases like measles through tiny liquid particles in coughs and sneezes.

Infection

The invasion of the body by pathogens, including viruses, that cause disease.

Pathogen

A microorganism, such as a virus, that causes disease.

Treatment

Medical interventions like antiretroviral drugs that help manage viral diseases but do not cure them.