Which of the following is/are always true?
a. Viruses cannot reproduce outside a host cell;
b. Viruses are not surrounded by a membrane;
c. Viruses are not made up of cells;
d. A and C are correct;
e. A, B, and C are correct
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1
Identify the characteristics of viruses to address each statement. Viruses are unique entities in biology due to their simple structure and replication methods.
Evaluate statement a: Consider how viruses replicate. They require a host cell's machinery to reproduce because they lack the necessary components for independent reproduction.
Assess statement b: Analyze the structure of viruses. While many viruses do not have a membrane, some viruses, like enveloped viruses, have a lipid membrane derived from the host cell.
Review statement c: Reflect on the basic composition of viruses. Viruses are not considered living cells; they are generally composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat, lacking the complex structures of cells.
Conclude by comparing the validity of statements a, c, and the combination options d and e based on the analysis of each individual statement.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Virus Reproduction
Viruses are unique in that they cannot reproduce independently; they require a host cell to replicate. Once inside a host, they hijack the cellular machinery to produce new viral particles. This characteristic distinguishes viruses from living organisms, which can reproduce on their own.
Viruses are composed of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat called a capsid. Unlike cells, they lack a cellular structure and are not surrounded by a membrane. This structural simplicity is a key feature that defines viruses and differentiates them from cellular life forms.
Viruses are not made up of cells; they are acellular entities. This means they do not possess the cellular components that characterize living organisms, such as a nucleus, cytoplasm, or organelles. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the biological classification of viruses.
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