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Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 14 - 2017
Question 14
Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. Mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morn... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 14 - 2017
Step 1
Suggest a reason why the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised women of childbearing age or those who were pregnant not to travel to areas where a Zika virus outbreak was occurring.
Answer
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advised against travel to areas with Zika virus outbreaks to prevent microcephaly, which is a serious birth defect causing babies to be born with small heads. The potential link between Zika infection during pregnancy and this condition makes it crucial for women to avoid such regions.
Step 2
Give two precautions people could take to prevent Zika virus transmission if they did travel to affected areas.
Answer
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin to prevent mosquito bites.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce skin exposure, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
Step 3
Step 4
Describe how a virus replicates.
Answer
A virus replicates by attaching to the host cell and injecting its genetic material into the cell. The host cell then uses its machinery to replicate the viral nucleic acids and produce viral proteins. Eventually, new viral particles are assembled and released from the host cell, often leading to cell lysis or bursting.
Step 5
Discuss the statement "Viruses are not considered to be living organisms".
Answer
Viruses are not considered living organisms because they cannot carry out metabolic processes independently. They require a host cell for replication and do not have cellular structures or organelles that are characteristic of living cells. Additionally, viruses contain either DNA or RNA but not both, further distinguishing them from cellular life.