What do host cells provide for viruses? a. ATP b. nucleotides and amino acids c. ribosomes 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.