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Multiple Choice
Which statement is incorrect about viruses?
A
Viruses are considered non-living entities.
B
Viruses can infect a wide range of organisms, including plants and animals.
C
Viruses can replicate independently without a host cell.
D
Viruses consist of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the nature of viruses: Viruses are unique entities that straddle the line between living and non-living. They do not exhibit all the characteristics of life independently, such as metabolism or cellular structure.
Examine the replication process of viruses: Viruses require a host cell to replicate. They cannot replicate independently because they lack the necessary cellular machinery to do so.
Consider the range of organisms viruses can infect: Viruses are known to infect a wide variety of organisms, including plants, animals, and even bacteria. This is due to their ability to adapt and evolve to different hosts.
Analyze the structure of viruses: Viruses consist of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, which is encased in a protective protein coat known as a capsid. This structure is crucial for their ability to infect host cells.
Identify the incorrect statement: Based on the understanding that viruses cannot replicate independently without a host cell, the statement 'Viruses can replicate independently without a host cell' is incorrect.