Questions and Answers
Which characteristics of life does a typical virus possess?
A typical virus contains genetic material and can reproduce.
What are the basic structural components of a typical virus?
The basic components of a virus are DNA or RNA, a protein coat, and sometimes a membrane.
Are viruses living or nonliving? Explain yourself. How about bacteria?
Viruses are non-living because they lack components of life such as cells and metabolism. Bacteria are living as they possess all characteristics of life.
What characteristics of life are shared between a cat and a campfire? Why is a campfire considered nonliving?
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Which characteristics of life do you consider to be the most unifying and why?
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How is the word 'theory' used differently in science compared to normal everyday conversation?
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Which characteristic of life is vital for the species but not the individual? Explain.
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Are cells considered living or nonliving? Explain.
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Why are viruses specific to the type of cell they can infect?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Life in Viruses
- Typical viruses possess genetic material and can reproduce, yet lack full characteristics of life.
- Viruses do not engage in metabolism and cannot carry out cellular functions independently.
Structural Components of Viruses
- Basic components include either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat.
- Some viruses have additional lipid membranes.
Living vs Nonliving: Viruses and Bacteria
- Viruses are classified as non-living due to absence of cellular structure and metabolic activity.
- Bacteria are considered living organisms as they fulfill all characteristics of life (cell structure, metabolism, reproduction).
Comparison between a Cat and a Campfire
- Both a cat (living) and a campfire (non-living) require oxygen, exhibit movement, respond to stimuli, and grow.
- A campfire is defined as non-living because it lacks cellular structure.
Unifying Characteristics of Life
- Identify which characteristics of life are the most essential for cohesion among living organisms.
Meaning of "Theory" in Science vs Everyday Use
- In casual conversation, "theory" often refers to speculation or an idea.
- In scientific contexts, "theory" denotes a well-substantiated explanation or prediction based on empirical evidence.
Alive or Not: Application of CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning)
- Students are tasked to analyze a given image and determine if the object is alive by constructing a Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning statement.
Importance of Reproduction
- Reproduction is essential for the continuation of a species but not critical for the survival of individual organisms.
Classification of Cells
- Cells are recognized as living entities because they possess the ability to grow, develop, and reproduce.
Host-Specificity of Viruses
- Viruses exhibit specificity towards the type of cell they infect, meaning they can only interact with particular organisms, determined by their structure and attachment capabilities.
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Description
This quiz tests your understanding of the characteristics and structure of viruses, as well as their classification as living or nonliving entities. Dive into the fascinating world of virology and enhance your knowledge of these unique microorganisms.
