Ebola Virus: Structure, Treatment, and Pathogenesis sample Essay

Ebola Virus: Structure, Treatment, and Pathogenesis sample Essay

Structure

Ebola Virus: Seen through an electron micrograph, the Ebola virus appears as long rods, 800-1000 nanometers in length. The filamentous structure is often found in a distinguishing “U”-shape arrangement, but is pleomorphic; meaning it can take on many shapes. Other shapes include branched, circular, or a “6” shape. The outer envelope of the virion is covered in small spikes, made of virally encoded glycoproteins [12]. These spikes are 7nm long, spaced 10nm apart, and allow the virus to attach itself to host cells.

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Ebola virus is an enveloped negative-sense RNA virus which is associated with zoonotic infections in humans [8]. Its genome consists of a single-stranded molecule of non-segmented, negative-sense RNA. The RNA is noninfectious, not polyadenylated, and complementary to polyadenylated viral subgenomic RNA species [6]. Ebola Virus: Structure, Treatment, and Pathogenesis sample Essay. Gene signals are distinct by transcriptional start signals at their 3′ (3′-CUNCNUNUAAUU-5′) and the termination signals at their 5′ (3′-UAAUUCUUUUU-5′) end [6]. The RNA is enclosed by a capsid known as the nucleocapsid. The nucleocapsid is formed by viral proteins, primarily VP24 and VP35. The space between the outer viral envelope and the nucleocapsid is known as the matrix space. Several viral proteins are located in the matrix space. Although little is known about the molecular mechanics of filoviruses, scientists focus on the mechanics of viral proteins as they are thought to function primarily as immune antagonists. Ebola Virus: Structure, Treatment, and Pathogenesis sample Essay.