A virus is a submicroscopic infectious entity that can only replicate inside of live cells.
- It is a non-cellular, infectious organism consisting of genetic material and protein that can only infiltrate and replicate within the living cells of bacteria, plants tissue, and mammals.
- For example, a virus is unable to replicate outside of the host cell. This is due to the absence of the necessary cellular machinery in viruses.
- As a result, it enters and binds to a particular host cell, injects its genetic material, reproduces using the genetic material of the host, and then the host cell ruptures, releasing the new viruses.
Structure of Virus
- Viruses are extremely small, with sizes between 30 and 50 nm.
- They often lack a cell wall but are encased in a layer of defense known as a capsid.
- It has a genetic component and is distinguished by the coexistence of the host and the virus.
- The genetic material in them is either DNA or RNA.
- A virion is a full virus particle. In order for the genome to be expressed (transcribed and translated) by the host cell, the virion must first deliver its DNA or RNA genome into the host cell.
Properties of viruses
- They are non-cellular organisms that are encased in a barrier.
- Viruses do not contain any nucleus.
- Viruses are not composed of cells, they cannot maintain a constant condition, they cannot develop, and they cannot produce their own energy.
- Spikes facilitate the virus’s attachment to the host cell.
- These viruses only reproduce; they do not grow, breathe, or metabolize.
- They have a nucleic acid core made up of DNA or RNA and are encased in a protein shell called a capsid.
- Viruses are either single or double stranded
- Double-stranded molecules have gaps.
- They can be round or straight.
- Protein molecule binders.
- Distinct pyrimidine and/or purine bases present.
- Ribonucleotides are present in them.
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