Are Viruses Considered Poisonous?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the classification of viruses in relation to the concepts of being poisonous and infectious. Participants explore the distinctions between infectious agents and poisons, as well as the potential for viruses to produce toxins.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that infectious agents, including viruses, are distinct from poisonous substances, which are typically chemicals that do not replicate within a host.
  • Others argue that viruses do not produce poisons but can cause damage that leads to the release of toxins from host cells.
  • A participant questions whether viruses can produce poisons, indicating a curiosity about the biochemical interactions involved.
  • Another participant mentions that infections can involve both viruses and bacteria, with the latter sometimes producing toxins, such as botulinum toxin.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether viruses can be considered poisonous or produce poisons, with multiple competing views remaining on the nature of viruses and their effects on host organisms.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions of "poisonous" and "infectious," as well as the biochemical mechanisms discussed, which may depend on specific contexts and interpretations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying biology, biochemistry, or related fields, particularly in understanding the distinctions between infectious agents and toxins.

The P-manator
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I need to clear this up: the difference between poisonous and infectous. Apparently infectious agents are living organisms like viruses and bacteria, while poisonous substances are, well, poisonous. But can't viruses be poisonous?
 
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I'm not a biologist or a biochemist but infectious agents take over and destroy cells. They also replicate within the body, poisons don't. Poisons are just chemicals, infectious agents are actualy organisms. Stuff like cyanide kills you by interfering with the electron transport chain of the TCA cycle. poisons also work by inhibiting certain enzymes in the body which stops certain biochemical pathways. viruses are more of a disease than a poison.
 
Yeah, OK, but can viruses produce poisons?
 
no - virus molcules are like machines - they replicate by taking over the host machinery - they PRODUCE nothing - damage and consequences of viral replication can cause the release of toxins (the contents of cells are dispersed and cause inflamation by chemotaxis) when the cells they are replicating in rupture. Viruses make nothing - they cause the host to make more of the virus - either directly or by causing the host to make dna to make more of the virus - like hiv
 
Infections are caused by both viruses and bacteria, and yes they can sometimes produce toxins, such as Botox...I mean botulinum toxin
 

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