Foundation Studies Biology (BIOL 2414) Research Assignment (worth 25%) Due: before 11.59pm on...

Question

Foundation Studies Biology (BIOL 2414)
Research Assignment (worth 25%)
Due: before 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 October (Week 13)

Word count: XXXXXXXXXXwords. Diagrams, labels and references are not included in the word count

Submission details:
• Submit your assignment via the link on Canvas
• Your report must be written entirely in your own words
• Your work will be checked by TurnItIn for text copied from other sources
• Your report may be considered to be plagiarized if:
o TurnItIn shows similarity of 20% or more
o Multiple sections of text are similar to text from other students’ work or text from the internet

For this assignment, you will be assigned a virus which you will research. You should research and answer
each of the following.

Virus structure and function:
1. Describe the structure of the virus and include a diagram
2. Explain in detail how the virus is transmitted including a discussion about any vectors involved

Impacts on a human:
3. Describe the effects and consequences of the virus in humans
4. Describe the immune system’s response to the virus
5. Discuss what treatments or vaccines are available and how these work at a molecular level

Incidence and trends:
6. Discuss the geographic areas affected by the virus
7. What measures can be taken to prevent the transmission of the virus
8. Provide a case study of a cu
ent research project that is trying to develop a vaccine or treatment
9. Is the incidence of human infection predicted to go up, down or stay steady in the future. Discuss

Writing your Report
Your report must:
• have each question answered separately with headings for each question
• use labelled diagrams wherever possible to support your statements
• be written in your own words - you cannot copy text directly from a website or from another student
• include in-text citations (references) to where you obtained the information you used to research your
eport
• include a reference list attached at the end of your report

Noo
Assessment Criteria

Criteria Marks
1. Structure and function of virus
- describe key structural features of virus
- states type of virus and nucleic acid involved
- Includes a labelled diagram of the virus
12
2. Virus transmission
- Explains how the viral DNA/RNA enters a human cell
- Describes how the virus replicates
- Explains role of any vector involved in transmitting virus to humans
12
3. Effects of virus in humans
- Describes how the virus affects the normal functioning of human body systems
- Describes whether the virus’s affects are short or long term
6
4. Immune system response to virus
- Describes how the immune system identifies virus and/or infected cells
- Outlines the response immune system has to destroy infected cells
- Explains how the body will respond to future infections of this virus
12
5. Treatments or vaccines
- Describes treatment and/or vaccine
- Explains how these treatments or vaccines work at a molecular level
8
6. Virus distribution
- Lists regions where virus is likely to be caught by humans
- Includes map showing global distribution
6
7. Prevention
- Discusses measures taken to prevent transmission of the virus 4
8. Research
- Describes a case study of a cu
ent research project that aims to develop a vaccine or
treatment for this virus
4
9. Trends
- Discusses trends for incidence of human infections
- Includes relevant graph showing historical and/or predictions of incidence and refers to
information in text
5
Referencing
- Appropriately set out bibliography (Harvard referencing system)
- Reliable source(s) properly referenced within text.
6
Total Marks 75

2019s2-bio-research-task-zp5ga0mx.pdf

Anju Lata · Accepted Answer

Marburg Virus     
Assignment
Topic: Research Report on Marburg Virus
Student Name:
Student ID:
1. Structure and Function of Virus
Marburg Virus (MARV) is enveloped, filamentous, negative sense, single stranded RNA virus having crystal structure (Zhang, Bornholdt, Abelson, and Saphire, 2014). The virus is from Filoviridae family and is responsible for delirium, rash, hemorrhagic fever in humans and other primates. The virus encodes seven structural proteins or genes: Nucleocapsid (VP35), Nucleoprotein, Matrix (VP40), transcription factor (VP30) and RNA Polymerase. VP 40 and VP35 are immunosuppressive. It appears like U in shape, coiled or branched. They are generally 80 nm wide with median particle length between 795 to 828 nm. The negative stranded linear RNA genome is 19 KB in size (Viral Zone, 2014). Core part of the virus is helical ribonucleocapsid, with RNA wrapped around Nucleoprotein polymer. RNA Polymerase is associated with Ribonucleoprotein with VP35 and VP30. The Ribonucleoprotein remains embedded in the matrix which is composed of VP24 and VP40 proteins. The matrix is surrounded by the cell membrane of host.
Source: Viral Zone(2014)
2. Virus Transmission
Viral RNA enters the host cell through cytoplasmic replication or endocytosis into the vesicles of host cells. The viral membrane fuses with that of vesicles and ribonucleocapsid gets released into the cytoplasm. The RNA polymerase attaches to the genome through the 3’ Region. Polyadenylation of viral mRNAs takes place through polymerase stuttering inside the cytoplasm. The replication begins when adequate nucleoprotein is available to encapsulate newly synthesized genome and antigenome. The ribonucleocapsid associates with the plasma membrane or matrix and leads to host assisted viral budding through the plasma membrane’s ESCRT (Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport) while setting free the virions (Viral Zone, 2014). The entry of virus in the host cell essentially requires NPC1 Cholesterol Transporter Protein.
The viral transmission occurs due to exposure at caves or mines where the colonies of Rousettus bats inhabit (Public Health England, 2017). Further human to human transmission requires close contact with the person already infected. The virus is found in high concentration in urine, faeces, respiratory secretions, vomit and saliva. Contact with any of these fluids causes viral transmission. The virus may transmit through cytoplasmic replication and sexual transmission. It may survive in semen until 7 weeks post clinical recovery. The Virus also spreads through contaminated needles or laboratory apparatus.
The sexual transmission of MARV virus also takes place through infected semen.
3. Effects of Virus in Humans
The incubation period of Haemorrhagic fever due to Marburg Virus lasts upto 5 to 21 days. The fever occurs suddenly with the symptoms of malaise, rapid debilitation, high fever and severe headache. At third day the person my develop symptoms like cramping, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. Within one week, the symptoms get severe with bleeding from the body. At initial stage,

Foundation Studies Biology (BIOL 2414) Research Assignment (worth 25%) Due: before 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 October (Week 13) Word count: XXXXXXXXXXwords. Diagrams, labels and references are not...

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