Understanding how this virus works can help us defend ourselves against other deadly influenza strains that arise. Critics of the research are concerned: If the virus escapes the containment facilities (even though it has not done so yet), it might cause another pandemic. Worse, terrorists could use the published DNA sequence and methods to make the virus for horrific purposes. Do you think this research makes us more or less safe?

Understanding how this virus works can help us defend ourselves against other deadly influenza strains that arise. Critics of the research are concerned: If the virus escapes the containment facilities (even though it has not done so yet), it might cause another pandemic. Worse, terrorists could use the published DNA sequence and methods to make the virus for horrific purposes. Do you think this research makes us more or less safe?

Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (MindTap Course List)

5th Edition

ISBN:9781305117396

Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr

Publisher:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr

Chapter10: Biotechnology

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 2CT

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Each year, hundreds of millions of people get sick from diseases like Zika, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever that are spread by mosquitoes. Some scientists are investigating the possibility of curbing these mosquito-borne diseases by genetically modifying the mosquitoes, such that they become less able to either reproduce or to carry the disease-causing microbes. Should genetically modified mosquitoes be released into the environment to combat these viruses?
In 1918, an influenza pandemic that originated with avian flu killed 50 million people. Researchers isolated samples of that virus from bodies of infected people preserved in Alaskan permafrost since 1918. From the samples, they sequenced the viral genome, then reconstructed the virus. The reconstructed virus is 39,000 times more infectious than modern influenza strains, and 100 percent lethal in mice. Understanding how this virus works can help us defend ourselves against other deadly influenza strains that arise. For example, discovering what makes it so infectious would help researchers design more effective vaccines. Critics of the research are concerned: If the virus escapes the containment facilities (even though it has not done so yet), it might cause another pandemic. Worse, terrorists could use the published DNA sequence and methods to make the virus for horrific purposes. Do you think this research makes us more or less safe?
HIV requires an enzyme called ______________ to convert its RNA genome to a DNA version. Why is this enzyme a particularly good target for anti-AIDS drugs?
Many vaccines provide years of protection against a disease. Why doesn't the influenza vaccine offer more than a few months of protection?
Influenza vaccines must be changed yearly because the amino acid sequence of the viral proteins change gradually over time. Based on this information, which is the most logical conclusion? The influenza virusa) is enveloped. b) is non-enveloped.c) has a DNA genome. d) has an RNA genome.e) causes a persistent infection.
Some viruses such as HPV are linked to mutations causing certain types of cancer. What part of a virus life cycle can add mutations to host DNA? What type of bacteriophage, as defined by life cycle, could do this?
There have been recent outbreaks of dog flu in the US. Why doesn't this virus infect humans? A) The virus can replicate in cells of all species but can only egress from dog cells. B) The genetic code of the virus is the same as that in dog cells but is different from other organisms. C) The virus can only attach to dog cells. D) The virus can enter cells of all species but can only replicate in dog cells.
This virus does not conform to the central dogma of molecular biology. Explain the central dogma and how the virus behaves differently. How should the patient to treated? Can the treatments cure the disease?
Influenza Virus has a genome and can jump hosts easily because of its genome A. DNA; reassortment B. RNA; reassortment C. DNA; recombination D. RNA; recombination
Because viruses lack some of the traits seen in all living things, many scientists do not believe viruses to be genuinely "alive." Using a few characteristics of live organisms as examples, explain why viruses may not be truly "alive."
Some advocate stockpiling the drug Tamiflu in the event of an influenza pandemic. Others point out that wealthy, Western nations would have an unfair advantage because developing nations (where the pandemic is most likely to start) would not have access to this expensive antiviral. Furthermore, some fear that indiscriminate use of the drug would promote the evolution of resistant flu strains. Given these caveats, do you think developed nations should stockpile Tamiflu for the protection and treatment of their citizens? Explain your answer
Gain of Function research, defined as: "medical research that genetically alters an organism in a way that may enhance the biological functions of gene products." The worry is that this type of research will lead to the release of dangerous viruses and is unethical; others believe it is necessary to treat future pandemic is Gain of Function research unethical? Why?