Question
Download Solution PDFOne characteristic of viruses is that they do not show any signs of life unless they enter a living host and start multiplying using the host's cell. What is the main reason behind this?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFKey Points
- Viruses are unique in that they do not exhibit any signs of life unless they are inside a living host.
- Option 2 correctly identifies the reason: viruses lack cell membrane and other organelles, which are essential for independent life processes.
- Without these structures, viruses cannot carry out metabolic processes or replicate on their own.
- Once inside a host, viruses hijack the host's cellular machinery to multiply and propagate.
- This characteristic is what makes viruses distinct from other microorganisms like bacteria, which can live and reproduce independently.
Additional Information
- Viruses are composed of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid.
- Some viruses also have an outer lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane.
- Viruses can infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to microorganisms, including bacteria and archaea.
- The study of viruses is known as virology, a subfield of microbiology.
- Understanding the nature of viruses is crucial for developing antiviral drugs and vaccines.
Last updated on May 28, 2025
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