Part One of The Hot Zone + 2nd Scavenger Hunt

The Hot Zone 

For me, Part One of The Hot Zone has provided an informative and entertaining look into the deadly ramifications that accompany the Marburg and Ebola viruses. I am constantly learning about these viruses while reading this well written book. The most interesting thing that I came across is how the Marburg virus manifests itself in its host and essentially attempts to create a lifeless "virus bomb" whose sole purpose is to amplify and attain its next victim. I am also intrigued by the history behind the virus and how it is speculated that it went through a series of rapid mutations from monkeys to humans, similar to the origins of HIV. I do have one question, however. What makes the Marburg virus able to infect a variety of hosts across a number of different species with little mutation?


Scavenger Hunt

Rhizome

This picture demonstrates the rhizome of a plant. The rhizome is the single underground root that stems off into smaller roots and nodes to collect water and nutrients for the plant.

Xylem

This picture demonstrates the one of two types of transport systems in a plant. It transports water and nutrients through out the plant.

Gametophyte

Gametophytes produce the male gametes needed for reproduction in a flower. In this flower, the gametophytes are produced in the anther.

Ethylene

Ethylene is a plant hormone that stimulates and regulates the opening of flowers.

Cellular Respiration 

Cellular respiration is the set of metabolic processes that a plant undergoes to produce adenosine triphosphate, which is a crucial enzyme used by the plants cells to sustain life. This cannot be seen, but is present in these plants.