Question
2 Viruses reproduce inside cells. Describe what problem this can cause for the cells. __
Answer
4
(259 Votes)
Winston
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
The key problem that a virus reproducing inside a cell can causes is the eventual damage or death of a cell due to virus 'lysis'-themed replication and disruption of normal cellular function. Moreover, viral infections can also lead to abnormal cell growth and illness due to immune response.
Explanation
Viruses replicate by invading the cells of a living host and using the host cell's replication mechanisms to produce copies of themselves. Essentially, the virus acts selfishly by stressful hijacking of the host's cellular machinery, with no concern for the health or survival of the host cell or organism. Some specific problems that this activity can cause in the cell include:1. Destruction of the cell: When a virus replicates inside a cell, lots of fresh virus particles are produced. Depending on the type of a virus, new viruses exit the host cell by damaging the cell's wall during the process called 'lysis', which usually results in cell death.2. Alteration of cellular functions: During their replication, viruses are also known to disrupt the normal functioning of cell by altering its metabolism and leading to abnormal cell growth—sometimes giving rise to cancers.3. Inducing immune response: Viruses by replicating they often cause damage to infected cells which acts to signal the immune system of their presence necessitating an immune response, possibly leading to inflammation and other symptoms of sickness.In conclusion, the primary issue is that viruses essentially orient themselves entirely towards reproduction at the expense of the host cell potentially culminating in functional disruption, cell destruction, and initiation of immune responses that can cause illness at an organism level.