The image to the left is an octameric form of the Ebola Virus Matrix Protein Vp40. This specific protein in crucial for the assembly and budding of virus particles. This octamer binds to an RNA triribonucleotide containing the sequence 5" - U - G - A - 3" through it inner pore. SDS - resistant octameric Vp40 is found in Ebola infected cells, suggesting Vp40 has a function in the virus life cycle as well as promoting virus assembly and budding off of the plasma membrane. This protein contains alpha helices, two subunits, therefore showing quaternary structure and antiparallel beta pleated sheets.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Structure/mmdb/mmdbsrv.cgi?Dopt=s&uid=72223&log$=seqview_protein_structuread_title
Hey DelucaBiochemistry!
ReplyDeleteWoW Ebola sounds like a nasty disease. "you don't want to get this" -ebola tag.
It seems like a very complex virus, just reading what you have down. I had looked up a few diffrent ones like HIV, and scrapie for instance. Both don't look nearly as complex. I know that HIV and Scrapie are diffrent types of disease causing agrents but I wonder how or why ebola is so complex looking? Nice write up.
Maybe just the make - up of the amino acids in this particular form
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ReplyDeleteI'm still not too sure what ebola is. How do you contract it and what is the mortality rate? I think that if you maybe post some pictures of people with the disease, we would be able to understand it much better. They couldn't possibly be that graphic. Maybe you could describe what happens when you contract the virus, but first you should make sure we are all eating. Whatever ebola is, I'm sure it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Or maybe it is. You're doing a great with the BLOGGING though! Good day!
ReplyDeleteEbola Hemorrhagic Fever is a severe, often fatal human disease (may occur in nonhuman primates as well). Ebola was first recognized in 1976 when it occured in Africa. This virus is one out of the two RNA viruses in the family Filoviridae. There are 4 identified subtypes of the Ebola virus, Ebola - Zaire, Ebola - Sudan, Ebola - Ivory Coast, and Ebola - Reston. Zaire, Sudan and Ivory Coast are the subtypes responsible for causing Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever in humans. Reston has been shown to only cause the virus in nonhuman primates. One can contract Ebola from coming into contact with the blood or secretions of infected individuals. Some of the symptoms of this virus are: fever, red eyes, internal and external bleeding, muscle and joint aches and a skin rash. The mortality rate for Ebola is between 50% and 90%. There is no standard treatment for Ebola; the individuals who contract the virus receive supportive therapy, such as maintaining fluid and electrolyte balances.
ReplyDeleteMore information/ Citations:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/Fact_Sheets/Ebola_Fact_Booklet.pdf
http://www.dhpe.org/infect/ebola.html