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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is a characteristic of viruses?
Which of the following is a characteristic of viruses?
- Viruses can replicate on their own
- Viruses rely on host cells to replicate (correct)
- Viruses have a cell structure similar to bacteria
- Viruses are considered living organisms
What is the genetic material found in viruses?
What is the genetic material found in viruses?
- Protein
- Lipids
- DNA or RNA (correct)
- Enzymes
How do viruses reproduce?
How do viruses reproduce?
- By using the cell's machinery of a host (correct)
- By undergoing photosynthesis
- By dividing like cells
- By producing spores
What is the function of a virus's capsid?
What is the function of a virus's capsid?
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Why are viruses not considered living organisms?
Why are viruses not considered living organisms?
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Viruses
- Viruses are acellular entities, meaning they do not have cellular structures.
- They lack metabolic machinery; cannot independently carry out metabolic processes.
Genetic Material in Viruses
- Viruses can contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material.
- Their genomes can be single-stranded or double-stranded, varying based on the virus type.
Reproduction of Viruses
- Viruses reproduce through a process called replication, which requires a host cell.
- Once inside a host, they hijack the host's cellular machinery to produce new virus particles.
Function of a Virus's Capsid
- The capsid is a protein shell that encases and protects the viral genetic material.
- It plays a crucial role in virus attachment and entry into host cells.
Why Viruses Are Not Considered Living Organisms
- Viruses cannot reproduce on their own and are dependent on host cells for replication.
- They lack cellular structures and metabolic pathways typical of living organisms, leading to their classification as non-living entities.
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