Last Minute Lecture

Viral Genomics and Diversity | Chapter 11 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms Welcome to Last Minute Lecture . This post summarizes Chapter 11 of Brock Biology of Microorganisms , which explores the astonishing variety of viral genomes and the mechanisms that drive virus replication and evolution. You'll also learn about subviral agents like viroids and prions , which challenge traditional definitions of life. 🎥 Watch the full podcast summary here: This chapter is essential for understanding virus biology, classification systems like the Baltimore scheme, and the broader impact of noncellular infectious agents. Viral Genomes and Classification Viral genomes: DNA or RNA; ss or ds; linear or circular Plus-strand RNA = same polarity as mRNA Baltimore classification sorts viruses by genome type and mRNA production (7 classes) RNA viruses need RNA replicase (carried or encoded) ICTV classification: host range, structure, replication, phylogeny No universa...

Viruses — Structure, Replication, and Disease Mechanisms Explained | Chapter 19 of Campbell Biology Welcome to Last Minute Lecture! This post explores the mysterious world of viruses, blending biology’s boundaries between living and nonliving as presented in Chapter 19 of Campbell Biology . Discover how viruses are structured, how they replicate, how they cause disease, and the unique mechanisms behind viral evolution and prions. Watch the full video summary below and subscribe for clear, chapter-by-chapter biology breakdowns! Introduction: What Are Viruses? Viruses are infectious particles that exist in a gray area between life and nonlife. They cannot reproduce or carry out metabolic processes independently and must infect host cells to replicate. Understanding viruses is critical for public health, agriculture, and modern biotechnology. Viral Structure and Classification Genome: Can be DNA or RNA, single-stranded or double-stranded, linear or circular. Capsid: ...