Class blog by Nicholas Martin

what makes a city

5220764_1 — 2024-09-04 14:59:38 UTC

the virus

5220764_1 — 2024-09-04 15:10:45 UTC

At the heart of every virus lies its genetic material, which can be either DNA or RNA. This genetic core is what defines a virus and determines its characteristics, replication process, and ability to infect host cells. The type and structure of this genetic material play a crucial role in the classification and behavior of viruses

But what makes virus a virus

Genetic material: Viruses contain either DNA or RNA.
Protein coat: The genetic material is surrounded by a protein shell called a capsid.
Envelope: Some viruses have an additional outer membrane called an envelope.
Capsid: is a crucial structural component of viruses, serving as a protective shell for the viral genome.
Envelope: This outermost layer provides further protection for the genetic material during the virus's life cycle as it travels between host cells.
Spike proteins: are essential structural components found on the surface of many viruses.

Infect city

5220764_1 — 2024-09-04 15:31:24 UTC

City Hall (nucleus) stands tall in the center housing the city's precious blueprints (DNA)
Power Plants (mitochondria) hum with energy keeping the lights on across town
Factories (ribosomes) work tirelessly producing essential goods (proteins) for the city needs
Highways (endoplasmic reticulum) crisscross the city facilitating smooth transportation
Postal Service (Golgi apparatus) sorts and packages goods for delivery throughout the city
Recycling centers (lysosomes) breakdown the waste and foreign materials to keep the streets clean

this is what will happen if you don't choose mine

5220764_1 — 2024-09-06 14:16:55 UTC

Imagine a bustling metropolis called Cell City. This isn't your average town - it's a living, breathing cell, with all the hustle and bustle of a thriving community. But today, Cell City faces an unexpected visitor: a crafty virus looking to cause some trouble!

The Uninvited Guest Arrives

Picture a tiny, alien-like structure approaching the city walls. This is our virus, and it's on a mission. Unlike friendly tourists, this visitor has no intention of playing by the rules. It's like a master thief, eyeing the city's valuable resources.

Breaking and Entering

Our viral villain doesn't just waltz through the front gates. Oh no, it's much sneakier than that! It finds a special "lock" on the city wall (a receptor on the cell membrane) and uses its own "key" (surface proteins) to unlock it. Voilà! The virus has found its way inside Cell City.

The Great Takeover

Once inside, the virus doesn't waste any time. It's like a puppet master, taking control of the city's factories (ribosomes) and energy plants (mitochondria). Instead of producing what the city needs, these hijacked facilities start churning out viral parts. Talk about a hostile takeover!

Viral Offspring Hit the Road

As more and more viral parts are produced, they start assembling into new viruses. Soon, Cell City is overflowing with these troublemakers. When the city can't hold any more, it bursts open like an overpacked suitcase. The newly formed viruses spill out, ready to invade neighboring Cell Cities. It's a viral road trip, and no cell is safe!

The Bigger Picture

This analogy helps us understand how viruses operate in our bodies. They're not alive in the same way cells are, but they're expert invaders, using our own cellular machinery to replicate. It's a constant battle between these microscopic intruders and our immune system's defenses.

Next time you catch a cold or hear about a viral outbreak, remember Cell City. It's happening right now, in millions of cells throughout your body. Fascinating, isn't it?