Which of the following is true about viruses?

Which of the following is true about viruses?

• A. Viruses are capable of cellular respiration
• B. Viruses can reproduce independently
• C. Viruses hijack host cells and contain either DNA or RNA
• D. Viruses can synthesize their own proteins

Answer: (C)

The statement about viruses hijacking host cells and containing either DNA or RNA is accurate because viruses lack the cellular machinery necessary for independent life functions, including reproduction and metabolism. Instead, they rely on hosting cells to replicate. Once a virus infects a host cell, it inserts its genetic material—either DNA or RNA—into the host’s cellular machinery. This genetic material directs the host cell to produce more viral components, leading to the assembly of new virus particles. This relationship emphasizes the dependency of viruses on host cells for their lifecycle, distinguishing them from living organisms that can perform vital functions autonomously. Understanding this viral behavior is crucial in fields such as virology, medicine, and immunology, as it plays a significant role in how viral infections occur and how treatments can be developed.

The statement about viruses hijacking host cells and containing either DNA or RNA is accurate because viruses lack the cellular machinery necessary for independent life functions, including reproduction and metabolism. Instead, they rely on hosting cells to replicate. Once a virus infects a host cell, it inserts its genetic material—either DNA or RNA—into the host’s cellular machinery. This genetic material directs the host cell to produce more viral components, leading to the assembly of new virus particles.

This relationship emphasizes the dependency of viruses on host cells for their lifecycle, distinguishing them from living organisms that can perform vital functions autonomously. Understanding this viral behavior is crucial in fields such as virology, medicine, and immunology, as it plays a significant role in how viral infections occur and how treatments can be developed.