Viruses are the most problematical of organisms, and many argue
that they should not be considered life at all. A virus, in general, consists
of a strand of DNA or RNA covered with a coat of a few different proteins.
Viruses are purely parasitic. Typically a virus attacks a cell and either
enters the cell or the DNA or RNA strand is injected into the cell. The
virus then uses the cell's own biochemical machinery to produce more virus
particles. Viruses do not have a metabolism as living organisms do and
are unable to reproduce themselves without co-opting the machinery of
the host cell. It has been postulated that viruses arouse from detached
pieces of DNA or RNA from higher organisms and that somehow this "rogue
DNA" has managed to find a way to reproduce and spread itself by
this parasitic life style.
 The
Big Picture Book of Viruses. David Sander, Tulane University. A large
collection of photographs of viruses as well as information about all
of the major virus groups. The site also contains information on the taxonomy
of the viruses. Nice pictures and highly rated.
All
The Virology on the Web. David Sander, Tulane University. A comprehensive
directory of links to web sites dealing with viruses.
Introduction
to the Viruses. Museum of Paleontology, University of California at
Berkeley. A basic, but excellent introduction to the viruses.
What
the Heck is a Virus? John C. Brown. University of Kansas. A simple
introduction to viruses, particularly those infecting humans.
Introduction
to Virology. Alan Cann, Tulane University. A very informative and
well illustrated introduction to viruses taken from a microbiology course
taught at Tulane University. Recommended.
Virus
Ultrastructure. Linda Stannard. University of Cape Town. A great introduction
to the structures of the different types of viruses. Well illustrated
and recommended.
Hidden
Killers, Deadly viruses. ThinkQuest. A great site combining basic
information on viruses with articles, games and a glossary on the affect
of viruses on humans.
Plant Viruses
Online. A. Brunt et al. Although this site is technical, you can find
copious illustrations and descriptions of plant virus species and genera
along with lists of the various host plants attacked by each species.
Introduction
to Plant Virology. A simple, but informative introduction to the viruses
infecting plants. The site is not only useful for plant viruses, but contains
a great, simple introduction to viruses in general.
Introduction
to Molecular Virology.
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