Multiple Choice
Which acellular infectious agent is described as a tiny, nonliving particle that invades and then reproduces inside a living cell?
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1. Introduction to Microbiology
Acellular Infectious Agents: Viruses, Viroids & Prions
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic of a virus, but not a bacterium?
A
Has a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan
B
Can reproduce independently in nutrient-rich media
C
Contains both DNA and RNA in the same particle
D
Requires a host cell for replication
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the basic structural and functional differences between viruses and bacteria. Bacteria are cellular organisms with cell walls, cytoplasm, and the ability to reproduce independently, while viruses are acellular and require a host cell to replicate.
Step 2: Analyze the option 'Has a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan.' This is a characteristic of bacteria, not viruses, since viruses do not have cell walls.
Step 3: Consider 'Can reproduce independently in nutrient-rich media.' Bacteria can reproduce on their own in such media, but viruses cannot replicate without a host cell.
Step 4: Evaluate 'Contains both DNA and RNA in the same particle.' Viruses typically contain either DNA or RNA, but not both simultaneously in the same viral particle.
Step 5: Conclude that 'Requires a host cell for replication' is a unique characteristic of viruses, distinguishing them from bacteria, which can reproduce independently.
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