Kyle+R.

= __**Wikipost #1-Genetics (Viruses): February 26, 2014.**__ =


 * Virus:** "an ultramicroscopic (20-300 nm in diameter), metabolically inert, infectious agent that replicates only within the cells of living hosts, mainly bacteria, plants, and animals/humans: composed of an RNA or DNA core, a protein coat, and, in more complex types, a surrounding envelope."

This definition is inducted to eradicate any stigmas or false perceptions of what a virus really is or is meant to perform. But the thriving question you ask? Well that is simply thus; just how does a virus replicate its DNA into a cell and 'spread' throughout the body of its host? Thankfully through systematic research I shall provide thee (Shakespearean, I know) with the justified answer to these thought provoking question.

__T-4 Bacteriophage:__
I know what you may be thinking, and no, T-4's are in fact NOT income tax returns. They are what Biologists refer to as "Bacteriophages," which means 'bacteria-eater.' These Bacteriophages are used to infect a bacteria or other cell (plant and animal) with its DNA and spreads quickly, deteriorating the cells structure. These are essentially viruses; nothing more, nothing less. Of course these are not the only types of bacteriophages - there are many more. These are just the most common among them.

//A Typical T-4 bacteriophage structure.//

Depending on the form of bacteriophage it may contain either DNA or RNA. This particular 'phage - T-4 - contains DNA in its head/capsid. This is among the largest of the bacteriophages at approximately 200 nm long and 80-100 nm wide, most 'phages ranging from 24-200 nm in length. The head structure contains the nucleic acid DNA (or RNA) acting as aprotective veil for the DNA (or RNA). The neck of the 'phage is where the genetic material is passed through during an infection of a cell. The collar is not too important, but the tail sheath contracts during the process and the base plate holds the tail fibers which both act to attacth to the bacteria during transmission and replication of the viruses DNA.

__**Lytic vs. Lysogenic:**__
//The 'lytic' cycle as depicted.//

//The 'lysogenic' cycle as depicted.//

There are two notable cycles that a bacteriophage (virus) can go through to complete its wrath of viral frenzy: the 'lytic' and 'lysogenic' cycles.

__**Lytic:**__
During this particular cycle the, many viral particles are created and copied back into the environment. First the bacteriophage attatches to the source or 'host,' then it inserts its DNA into the cell, the virus taking over the cells machinery or mechanisms, and finally the virus proceeds to reproduce itself frequently and self-assembles, the host cell then becoming demolished.

**__Lysogenic:__**
This cycle is slightly different. In this phase there is no pathology. The virus is a 'prophage' at this stage. Like the lytic cycle it attaches to its host, then inserts its DNA as expected, but then this viral DNA becomes incorporated into the cells chromosomes. Finally, this DNA is replicated along with the chromosomal material.

Here is a video to further clarify the topic: [|virus]



//Now that you're aware...... WATCH OUT FOR THESE GUYS AHHHHH!!!!!!!!! (supposed to be a virus)//

__**Additional information on viruses:**__
http://textbookofbacteriology.net/phage.html
 * Offers insight into bacteriophages:**

http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/the-origins-of-viruses-14398218
 * Origins of the virus:**

http://www.livestrong.com/article/146109-types-of-human-viruses/
 * Different types of human viruses:**

http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/v/viral/treatments.htm
 * Treatments for viruses:**

__**References:**__
http://www.quia.com/files/quia/users/lmcgee/genetics/APchapter18-Viri/phage-lytic-cycle.gif http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/T2phage.gif http://blog.targethealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20140113-7.jpg tp://www.rescuepost.com/.a/6a00d8357f3f2969e20168e55faa4a970c-pi http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/mayer/phage.htm http://biology.kenyon.edu/HHMI/Biol113/2virus.htm = = =__ Wikipost #2 - Evolution: Music: May 2, 2014. __=

At least every human on earth has heard some form of musical style more than once in their lives whether they like it or not - it's inevitable. Music has played an enormous role in human society for centuries, but why is it that the 1900's had the most impact on people both socially and emotionally? Why is that that early musical composers such as Mozart and Beethoven aren't globally recognized today and pop sensations such as Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus rule the international charts of music? To me I feel that the best explanation to this utter mystery would be to view it from the perspective of Charles Darwin and the idea of natural selection - only the strongest survive.