Viruses: On the Edge of Life

What causes influenza?

• Bacteria

• Virus

• Fungus

• Parasite

How large are the largest viruses?

• 100 nanometers

• 300 nanometers

• 1 micrometer

• 10 nanometers

Read the passage below and answer the question: Because viruses are so simple, scientists argue about whether they count as living organisms. On one hand, viruses aren’t made of cells, which scientists consider the basic unit of life. True or False: Viruses are made of cells.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-1

Fill in the blank: Viruses have ______ and are able to reproduce.

• DNA

• chlorophyll

• cell walls

• nuclei

Read the passage below and answer the question: When it’s time to reproduce, the virus latches onto a living cell and injects its own DNA into the body of the cell. The virus’s DNA takes over the cell and forces it to make more viruses. When the host cell is full of new viruses, they burst out, killing the cell. What happens to the host cell when it is full of new viruses?

• It divides

• It bursts and dies

• It becomes stronger

• It changes shape

What do viruses cause in living things?

• Growth

• Illness

• Healing

• Photosynthesis

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

Read the passage below and answer the question: Viruses share some characteristics with living things, but not all. Some scientists say they’re “on the edge of life.” True or False: All scientists agree that viruses are living things.

• True

• False

Why are viruses hard to treat without killing the host cells as well?

• Because they infect living cells, so treating the virus can also harm the host cells.

• Because viruses are made of metal and cannot be destroyed.

• Because viruses only exist outside the body.

• Because viruses are larger than bacteria and easy to remove.

What is the best way to fight viruses according to the passage?

• Using antibiotics

• Using vaccines

• Using painkillers

• Using vitamins

What are viruses made of?

• Bundles of DNA covered by layers of protein

• Bundles of protein covered by layers of DNA

• Only protein

• Only DNA