Question

Viruses are no more 'alive' than isolated chromosomes because

• A. They require both RNA and DNA
• B. They both need food molecules
• C. They both require oxygen for respiration
• D. Both require the environment of a cell to replicate

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Both require the environment of a cell to replicate

Answer 2

Viruses contain a protein coat known as capsid which encloses a single type of nucleic acid, either RNA or DNA. They do not have enzymes for protein synthesis. They multiply only inside the living host cell and for multiplication they take over the machinery of the host cell. Thus viruses are obligatory intercellular parasites. They lack cell division and enzymes for protein synthesis. They do not have cell organelles like mitochondria, Golgi complex, lysosomes, ribosomes etc. so they cannot live or reproduce separately.