What does a virus typically inject into a host cell during infection?

• A. Its ribosomes
• B. Only its protein coat
• C. Its entire viral particle
• D. Its genetic material

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that viruses are infectious agents that require a host cell to replicate.
2. Recognize that a virus is composed of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid.
3. During infection, a virus attaches to a host cell and injects its genetic material into the host cell.
4. The injected genetic material takes over the host cell's machinery to produce viral components, leading to the assembly of new viral particles.
5. Note that the virus does not inject its ribosomes, protein coat, or entire viral particle into the host cell, only its genetic material.