Question

Write the characteristics of viruses.

Answer 1

A virus is a small collection of genetic code, which can be DNA or RNA, encased in a protein coat. A virus cannot replicate on its own. Viruses typically infect cells and replicate themselves using host cell components. That is why viruses are fatal; they kill the host cell while causing damage to the host organism.

Complete answer:
Viruses are the most numerous type of biological entity and can be found in almost every ecosystem on earth. Virology, a subspecialty of microbiology, is the study of viruses.

Viruses have the following characteristics:
- They are smaller and simpler than bacteria.
- They are ultramicroscopic and can only be seen with an electron microscope.
- They are thought to be on the dividing line between living and nonliving things.
- They are obligate parasites, meaning they cannot survive on their own.
- They are unable to reproduce on their own. To reproduce, they require living machinery.
- Viruses are made up of genetic materials (DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat (capsid).
- Viruses are responsible for a wide range of horrifying diseases in plants, animals, and humans.

Some infections have a slightly more complicated replication cycle, with lytic and lysogenic stages. The lytic stage is depicted above, with infection particles contaminating and being recreated. However, during the lysogenic stage, popular hereditary material that has entered the host cell becomes incorporated into the cell and falsehoods become lethargic. It is given to the descendants of the tainted cells. Ultimately, the lytic stage will begin again, and cells that were never tainted themselves.

Note: Viruses exist solely to create more viruses. Before entering the host cell, the virus particle attaches itself to it. The virus then replicates its genetic material using the machinery of the host cell. Once replication is complete, the virus particles leave the host by budding or bursting out of the cell (lysis).