6. a. Explain why many biologists consider viruses to be non-living.b. Explain why the cell that is invaded by a virus is called a host cell
Question
- a. Explain why many biologists consider viruses to be non-living.b. Explain why the cell that is invaded by a virus is called a host cell
Solution
a. Many biologists consider viruses to be non-living because they do not possess all the characteristics that define a living organism. For instance, viruses cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own, they do not grow, they do not respond to stimuli, and they cannot reproduce independently. Viruses need a host cell to replicate. They invade the host cell and use its machinery to reproduce. This is unlike living organisms which can reproduce and carry out metabolic processes on their own.
b. The cell that is invaded by a virus is called a host cell because it provides the environment and resources for the virus to replicate. The virus uses the host cell's machinery to reproduce and multiply. In this process, the host cell provides the necessary components for the virus to make copies of itself. Hence, the cell hosting the virus is referred to as the 'host cell'.
Similar Questions
)Viruses: A) Can replicate outside host cells B) Are the smallest living organisms C) Can have either DNA or RNA genomes D) Do not infect plant cells E) Always kill the cells they infect
Which of the following statements is true?Question 14Select one:a.Some viruses have two alternative life cyclesb.Viruses are not considered to be organisms since they are very smallc.Viruses can infect only eukaryotic hosts since they cannot pass the bacterial and plant cell wallsd.Viruses cannot reproduce within a host
11. Which of the following statements about viruses is true?a. They are acellular.b. They can regulate the movements of substances into and out of the cell.c. They can reproduce outside of living cells.d. They have subcellular compartments.e. They are readily destroyed by antibiotics.
Host cells of viruses include A. human and other animals. B. plants and fungi. C. bacteria. D. protozoa and algae. E. All of the choices are correct.
Which of the following is true about viruses?Group of answer choicesAll of the above.They cannot reproduce themselves.They are not composed of cells.They cannot metabolize nutrients.They have DNA or RNA.
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.