Characteristics of Life & Viruses #3

Front

What is the primary reason scientists do not classify viruses as living things?

Back

Viruses are not made of one or more cells.

Front

In what way are viruses similar to bacteria?

Back

Both viruses and bacteria can be pathogenic.

Front

What do both viruses and cells contain that is essential for genetic information?

Back

Both cells and viruses have DNA or RNA.

Front

What is a defining characteristic of all living things?

Back

All living things are composed of one or more cells.

Front

Can the presence of DNA alone help classify an organism as a bacterium or a virus?

Back

No, both bacteria and some viruses contain DNA.

Front

What is a virus?

Back

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can only replicate inside the living cells of an organism.

Front

What is the structure of a virus typically composed of?

Back

A virus typically consists of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid.

Front

How do viruses reproduce?

Back

Viruses reproduce by infecting a host cell and hijacking the cell's machinery to produce new virus particles.

Front

What is the difference between a virus and a living cell?

Back

A virus cannot carry out metabolic processes on its own, while living cells can.

Front

What is pathogenicity in the context of viruses and bacteria?

Back

Pathogenicity refers to the ability of an organism to cause disease.