Properties of Viruses Obligate intracellular parasites of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, plants, and animals • Ultramicroscopic size, ranging from 20 nm up to 450 nm (diameter) • Not cellular in nature; structure is very compact and economical • Do not independently fulfill the characteristics of life • Inactive macromolecules outside the host cell and active only inside host cells Basic structure consists of protein shell (capsid) surrounding nucleic acid core • Nucleic acid of the viral genome is either DNA or RNA but not both • Nucleic acid can be double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, single-stranded RNA, or double-stranded RNA • Molecules on virus surface impart high specificity for attachment to host cell • Multiply by taking control of host cell's genetic material and regulating the synthesis and assembly of new viruses • Lack enzymes for most metabolic processes Lack machinery for synthesizing proteins
Properties of Viruses Obligate intracellular parasites of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, plants, and animals • Ultramicroscopic size, ranging from 20 nm up to 450 nm (diameter) • Not cellular in nature; structure is very compact and economical • Do not independently fulfill the characteristics of life • Inactive macromolecules outside the host cell and active only inside host cells Basic structure consists of protein shell (capsid) surrounding nucleic acid core • Nucleic acid of the viral genome is either DNA or RNA but not both • Nucleic acid can be double-stranded DNA, single-stranded DNA, single-stranded RNA, or double-stranded RNA • Molecules on virus surface impart high specificity for attachment to host cell • Multiply by taking control of host cell's genetic material and regulating the synthesis and assembly of new viruses • Lack enzymes for most metabolic processes Lack machinery for synthesizing proteins
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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about viruses, especially as compared with cells?
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