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Questions and Answers
What is unique about the nucleic acid found in viruses?
What is unique about the nucleic acid found in viruses?
What is the primary reason why viruses cannot grow on artificial cell-free medium?
What is the primary reason why viruses cannot grow on artificial cell-free medium?
What is the function of the receptor binding protein in viruses?
What is the function of the receptor binding protein in viruses?
What is present in the structure of a virus?
What is present in the structure of a virus?
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Why are viruses not susceptible to antibacterial antibiotics?
Why are viruses not susceptible to antibacterial antibiotics?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Viruses
- Viruses have a single type of nucleic acid, which can be either RNA or DNA, but not both.
- They have a protein coat that surrounds the nucleic acid, known as a capsid.
- Viruses are extremely small, ranging in size from 20-150 nanometers (nm).
- They can only multiply inside living cells, using the host cell's synthetic machinery.
- Viruses are totally dependent on living cells for their existence and cannot survive on their own.
Reproduction and Growth
- Viruses have a receptor binding protein that allows them to attach to and dock onto host cells.
- They cannot grow or reproduce in artificial, cell-free mediums.
Cellular Organization and Structure
- Viruses lack proper cellular organization and do not have cellular organelles.
- They lack a cell wall and cell membrane.
- Viruses are not susceptible to antibacterial antibiotics.
Structure of a Virus
Components
- Nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA)
- Capsid (protein coat)
- Envelope (optional)
- Surface proteins
- Lipids (found in the envelope)
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Description
Learn about the key characteristics of viruses, including their structure, size, and dependency on living cells for existence. Test your knowledge of viral multiplication and protein coats.
