To determine whether the sample you are looking at under the microscope shows evidence of a virus, you can evaluate the characteristics of what you see:
- Bacterial cells: Prokaryotic cells, typically small, with no nucleus, and often have a rigid cell wall.
- Viral structures: Much smaller than bacterial cells, viruses are not classified as cells; they are composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat and sometimes enveloped by a lipid layer. They do not have cellular structures or metabolic functions.
- Fungal cells: Eukaryotic cells with a defined nucleus and cell wall made typically of chitin. They are larger than bacteria.
Given those definitions:
- If the sample shows typical aqueous or cellular structures (like a cell wall and nucleus), it's likely to be a bacterial or fungal cell.
- If you observe structures that are not cells and appear like viral particles, then it is likely to represent a virus.
Depending on what you see, you may choose one of the options provided:
- (a) No, my patient does not have a virus; this is a bacterial cell.
- (b) Yes, my patient has a virus; as this is a typical viral structure.
- (c) Yes, my patient has a virus; since this is not a cell.
- (d) No, my patient does not have a virus; this is a fungal cell.
Your choice ultimately depends on the exact observation made under the microscope. If you see defined cellular structures, the answer would likely be (a) or (d). If you see something that lacks these cellular features, you might choose (b) or (c).