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Difficulty: EasyViruses: Structure and Characteristics

Viruses occupy a unique position at the border between living organisms and non-living matter. Which of the following features is common to all viruses?

  1. A protein coat called a capsid surrounding genetic materialAnswer
  2. B
    A cytoplasm containing ribosomes and metabolic enzymes
  3. C
    A nucleic acid core containing both DNA and RNA together
  4. D
    A peptidoglycan cell wall providing structural support

Answer

A protein coat called a capsid surrounding genetic material is present in all viruses.
Every virus is composed of a nucleic acid genome (either DNA or RNA) encapsulated within a protein shell called a capsid. While some animal viruses also possess an outer lipid envelope derived from the host membrane, the capsid surrounding the genetic core is a defining feature of all viruses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the fundamental structural components of a viral particle (virion).
All viruses consist of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) enclosed inside a protein coat termed a capsid.
Viruses are acellular infectious agents that lack cell structures such as cytoplasm, cell membranes, cell walls, or organelles.

Key Concept

Basic Structural Characteristics of Viruses
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Viruses: Structure and Characteristics

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