A virus is a small capsule made of membranes and proteins. The capsule contains one or more strands of DNA or RNA, which are long molecular chains that contain replicating information for the virus to copy itself. Some Biologist classify viruses as life forms, but they are not known to be alive. Viruses are neither alive nor dead, they simply carry out their existence in gray area between the two. A virus has a sticky outer surface which it uses to attach itself to a cell, the cell feeling the virus attachment enfolds around the virus and brings it within the cell. After within the cell the virus begins using the cells machinery to replicate itself until there are too many virus particles in the cell. Then the cell bursts and the force of the rupture sends the virus particles scattering onto other nearby cells, where the cycle begins again. A virus is a parasite and can not live on it's own. All living things carry viruses within them including fungi and bacteria.
This homepage studies and provides information on the family of viruses, Filoviridae, which includes Marburg virus, and the four strains of Ebola Virus, (Ebola Zaire, Ebola Sudan, Ebola Tai, Ebola Reston). I am amazed and awed at the simplicity and lethality of these life forms, and provide this information in hopes that it will further educate others. These viruses are quite mysterious and very dangerous, so fear of future outbreaks also compels me. Lurking somewhere in the jungles of Africa, these filoviruses set waiting patiently for their next chance to jump into the human population. And we must ask ourselves are we ready?
This homepage also looks at other recently discovered viruses such as Hantavirus.