Viruses

Front

What is a virus?

Back

A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that is non-living and cannot reproduce on its own. It consists of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.

Front

Do viruses have cells?

Back

No, viruses do not have cells. They are acellular and lack the cellular structure found in living organisms.

Front

What are organelles?

Back

Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions. Viruses do not have organelles.

Front

How do viruses reproduce?

Back

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

Front

What happens when a virus enters a host cell?

Back

Once a virus enters a host cell, it releases its DNA or RNA into the cell to begin the replication process.

Front

What role does soap play in destroying viruses?

Back

Soap destroys viruses by breaking up the lipid layer surrounding the virus, allowing it to be washed away.

Front

What is the lipid layer?

Back

The lipid layer is a protective membrane made of lipids that surrounds some viruses and cells, playing a crucial role in their structure and function.

Front

Why do lipids attract each other?

Back

Lipids attract each other due to their hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties, allowing them to merge and form membranes.

Front

What is the difference between living and non-living viruses?

Back

Viruses are considered non-living because they cannot carry out metabolic processes or reproduce independently; they require a host cell to replicate.

Front

What is the genetic material of a virus?

Back

The genetic material of a virus can be either DNA or RNA, which contains the instructions for making new virus particles.