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Difficulty: EasyViruses: Structure and Characteristics

Viruses display unique structural characteristics that distinguish them from cellular organisms. Which of the following features is present in all viruses?

  1. A protective protein coat enclosing a single type of nucleic acidAnswer
  2. B
    A membrane-bound nucleus containing both DNA and RNA
  3. C
    A cytoplasm contained within a peptidoglycan cell wall
  4. D
    A lipid cell membrane with metabolic enzymes for respiration

Answer

A protective protein coat enclosing a single type of nucleic acid is present in all viruses.
All viruses consist of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) enclosed by a protective protein layer called a capsid. This basic nucleoprotein structure is universal among all viral particles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the basic acellular structure of a virus.
Viruses are composed of genetic material encapsulated within a protein shell (capsid).
All virions fundamentally consist of a nucleoprotein core.
2
Evaluate the nucleic acid composition and cellular structures.
Viruses contain either DNA or RNA (never both concurrently) and lack cellular structures like cytoplasm, cell walls, nuclei, or metabolic organelles.
This acellular nature defines their classification as obligate intracellular parasites.

Key Concept

Basic Viral Structure and Acellular Nature
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Topics

Viruses: Structure and Characteristics

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