CHARACTERISTICS OF VIRUSES

Question 1

What is the defining feature of viruses in terms of their reproduction?

Answer 1

• Viruses are obligate intracellular organisms and cannot reproduce outside a host cell.

Question 2

How do viruses differ from cells in terms of their structure?

Answer 2

• Viruses are acellular and lack organelles, relying on host cell machinery for replication.

Question 3

What types of genetic material can viruses have?

Answer 3

• Viruses can have either DNA or RNA, but never both, except for Retroviruses, which have both.

Question 4

How small are viruses, and what instrument is used to visualize them?

Answer 4

• Viruses typically measure 20-30nm in diameter
• And they are observed using an electron microscope.

Question 5

What is the difference between virulent and temperate viruses?

Answer 5

• Virulent viruses cause infections that lead to death
• While temperate viruses produce infections that do not result in death.