Classmate responses (***PROFESSOR ANTHONY ONLY***)

1

Both computer viruses and biological viruses cause infection and damage to their host. Although they share what would seem like characteristic features they are not the same (Difference between Biological and Computer virus, n.d.). Viruses are simple structures composed of proteins and nucleic acids. They lack the components of a classic cell and cannot make new viral particles without the aid of a host cell. Viruses depend on a host cell for replication. Through this process they invade the host cell and hijack its machinery (Boundless, n.d.). Computer viruses are programmed to attack certain parts of a computer whether it is operating systems or other software. They can also spread to other uninfected computers like biological viruses by high jacking the computers machinery too (Difference between Biological and Computer virus, n.d.). The fact that computer virus “live” in a nonorganic environment and are only able to do what they are programmed to do in my opinion would count them out as being alive. They are unable to evolve to their environment and cannot adapt to outside changes without being told or programmed to do so. No they are not living.

Difference between Biological and Computer virus. (n.d.) Retrieved 28 Sept. 2015 http://www.crizmo.com/difference-between-biological-and-computer-virus.html

Boundless. Microbiology. (n.d). Retrieved 28 Sept. 2015 from https://www.boundless.com/microbiology/textbooks/boundless-microbiology-textbook

2

Scientists have been researching for cures to diseases known to be devastating to the human population for centuries. We are nearing the elimination of seven such diseases due to decades of dedicated research of scientists. These seven diseases are mostly found today in third world countries due to advances in research and our understanding of viruses. These seven diseases are: measles, rubella, polio, guinea worm, Lymphatic filariasis (aka. elephantiasis), Onchocerciasis (river blindness) and mumps. (Brodwin, 2015) Scientists are eliminating these diseases through the use of vaccines developed to prevent the virus from hiding in healthy cells and then destroying the host cells. It seems to me we have already chosen the next virus to eradicate or develop a vaccine; and that is HIV.

Cites Referenced:

Brodwin, E. (2015, May 14). 7 human diseases the world is on the cusp of eradicating. Retrieved September 30, 2015 from http://www.businessinsider.com/diseases-that-are-almost-eradicated-2015-5