The video The Future of Food showed us how genetic material is inserted into cells by the use of viruses. My immediate reaction was "yuck," especially when it was mentioned that the viruses used were linked to infectious diseases. My question is: Are there any good viruses?
I found out that viruses are microscopic particles that can infect animals, plants, and bacteria. They consist of DNA or RNA material that is protected by an outer coating of protein. They cannot reproduce on their own , but multiply by attaching themselves to cells and injecting their genetic material inside. Because of viruses' inability to reproduce on their own, most virologists do not consider viruses to be alive. Viruses usually enter the body by the respiratory system or the mouth, where they infect cells of the mucous membranes which lack any protective barriers. Once in the body, the only defense against viruses is the body's own immune system. A healthy immune system will produce enough white blood cells and antibodies that will kill viruses. Some people think that antibiotics can kill viruses, but they have no affect on them. If you have the flu or a cold, you just have to wait it out. So, are there any good viruses? There are a few: Some create beautiful colored tulips, some can be used to create vaccines, and some can be used to inject desirable genes into cells. But the vast majority of viruses is harmful.
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