Here’s an article addressing a LACK OF genetic markers found in previous serious pandemic influenzas. www.sciencedaily.com Full transcript of this video is available at: blog.livevideo.com And yes, I know I said seven in one spot where I meant eight (segments of RNA) What is swine flu? How does this differ from regular flu? Why wont the flu vaccine I got work on this? Is there a vaccine? When will it be available? Why is this a bigger problem than regular flu? What are the symptoms? Why is this a big deal? Its just the flu, right? Swine is pork. Can I get it from eating pork products?
DynaCatlovesme says
One thing. Flu carries DNA Retorovirues such as HIV carry RNA.
CircaRigel says
Check again. Influenza virus is an RNA virus, which is why it is able to mutate so rapidly. Influenza DOES NOT have DNA… RNA only. You may be thinking of the bacteria, haemophilus influenzae, which does have DNA. Retroviruses are NOT the only ones that carry RNA, and their mechanism is a VERY different from other viruses (both RNA and DNA viruses), but I’m not going to get into the details here… not enough room.
DynaCatlovesme says
HIV dumps RNA into the cell, reverse transcription makes DS-DNA which gets spliced into the cell’s genome. Flu carries DNA which hijacks the cell’s mRNA for ribosomal translation. I tried to include illustrative links but they won’t post.
DynaCatlovesme says
Oh! LOL! Comment approval1! Sorry!
CircaRigel says
Basically, yes. Retroviruses still aren’t the only RNA viruses, though. They just have that unique transcription method involving DS-DNA with insertion into the cell genome. Influenza A, however, has 8 different RNA segments, with encoding for the two antigenic surface proteins on the NA and HA genes, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.
DynaCatlovesme says
Yeah, you’re right there, I needed to refresh, as I’d forgotten the negative-sense aspect.
CircaRigel says
Not a problem. I think I made a mistake when reading my notes and said seven instead of eight.
CircaRigel says
If you accept the friend invite, approval won’t be needed.
zenpal00za says
are you a doctor?
CircaRigel says
Almost. I’m currently studying for my board exams. I am, however, a microbiologist. I earned my degree in microbiology a decade ago and have worked in research for even longer than that.