Multiple Choice
Which type of viral capsids are composed of multiple protein types and exhibit nonsymmetrical shapes?
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1. Introduction to Microbiology
Acellular Infectious Agents: Viruses, Viroids & Prions
Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the status of viruses as living organisms?
A
Viruses are considered non-living because they cannot carry out metabolism or reproduce independently.
B
Viruses are living because they possess cellular structures like ribosomes and mitochondria.
C
Viruses are living organisms because they can infect and kill host cells.
D
Viruses are classified as living because they contain genetic material and can evolve.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the criteria that define living organisms, which typically include the ability to carry out metabolism, reproduce independently, respond to stimuli, and maintain homeostasis.
Step 2: Analyze the characteristics of viruses, noting that they contain genetic material (DNA or RNA) and can evolve over time, but lack cellular structures such as ribosomes and mitochondria.
Step 3: Recognize that viruses cannot perform metabolic processes on their own and require a host cell to reproduce, meaning they do not reproduce independently.
Step 4: Compare the statements given in the problem to these criteria, focusing on whether the statement correctly reflects the inability of viruses to carry out metabolism and reproduce without a host.
Step 5: Conclude that the statement best describing viruses as non-living is the one emphasizing their dependence on host cells for metabolism and reproduction, which aligns with the scientific consensus.
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