Question

6. Coronavirus, more specifically called COVID-19, is obviously caused by a virus. Are viruses prokaryotes, eukaryotes, or are they not considered cells at all? Explain your answer. [Type your answer here in bold.) COVID-19 is an airbome infectious agent. Describe two measures that could be used to effectively prevent an infected person from transmitting the disease to others. [Type your answer here in bold.]

Answer 1

Answer 6) Viruses are tiny infectious, disease causing particles that are neither considered as prokaryotes not eukaryotes. Unlike eukaryotes or prokaryotes they lack plasma membrane, ribosomes and cytoplasm. Viruses cannot reproduce by themselves, however they infect living cells of the host and use their cellular machinery for replication. Therefore viruses are not considered to be cells. Also viruses don’t have a metabolism of their own and they cannot function outside the host cells. Similar to living cells, viruses are composed of glycoproteins and proteins and contain the genetic information (DNA or RNA) required to reproduce.

Answer 7) Airborne transmissions generally spread by spread of infected droplets, sneezing, coughing and all the mechanisms which generate aerosolised particles. To prevent any kind of infection various precautionary measures need to be taken such as

1) Use of antiseptics and sanitizers

2) Washing hands, feet and face thoroughly with soap and water

3) Wearing personalized protection equipment such as a mask

4) Limiting the time spent near the patient or infected person

5) Regular immunization against diseases