What do host cells provide for viruses? a. ATP b. nucleotides and amino acids c. ribosomes d. all of the above

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify what viruses need to replicate: Viruses are not living organisms and lack the cellular machinery necessary for their own replication.
2. Understand the role of host cells: Host cells provide the necessary components and environment for viruses to replicate.
3. Analyze the options: a. ATP provides energy, b. nucleotides and amino acids are building blocks for nucleic acids and proteins, c. ribosomes are necessary for protein synthesis.
4. Recognize that viruses rely on host cells for multiple components: Since viruses need energy, building blocks for macromolecules, and machinery for synthesis, they depend on the host for all these elements.
5. Conclude the correct answer: Since viruses utilize the host cell's ATP for energy, nucleotides and amino acids for building DNA/RNA and proteins, and ribosomes for synthesizing proteins, the correct answer is d. all of the above.

Key Concepts

Host Cells

Host cells are living cells that provide the necessary environment and resources for viruses to replicate. Viruses cannot reproduce independently; they rely on the cellular machinery of host cells to produce new viral particles. This interaction is crucial for the virus's life cycle and propagation.

Viral Requirements

Viruses require specific components from host cells to replicate and assemble new virions. These components include ATP for energy, nucleotides for viral genome synthesis, and amino acids for protein production. Understanding these requirements helps clarify how viruses exploit host cellular processes.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes are cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. Viruses utilize the ribosomes of host cells to translate their genetic information into proteins necessary for their structure and function. This dependency on host ribosomes is a key aspect of viral replication and highlights the interplay between viruses and host cells.