Concept explainers
Are viruses prokaryotes? Eukaryotes? Why or why not?
To explain: The reason for why or why not the viruses are considered to be prokaryotes or eukaryotes.
Introduction: Prokaryotes and eukaryotes are the basic cell types of all living cells. The prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack membrane-bounded nucleus and organelles. The eukaryotes possess a distinct nucleus that contains the genetic material of the cell.
Explanation of Solution
The viruses are neither prokaryotes nor eukaryotes. The viruses do not fit into either of these categories. This is because the viruses are minute acellular particles. They lack the capability of multiplying on their own. They use the host’s cellular machinery for their replication. Like the prokaryotes or eukaryotes, the viruses do not possess cellular membranes. The viruses contain only the genetic material (DNA/RNA) encapsulated within the protein capsid. The viruses inject their DNA into the host and incorporate the DNA into the host’s DNA and start replicating using the metabolic process of the host cell. Thus, the viruses are not considered to be either prokaryotes or eukaryotes.
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Chapter 5 Solutions
Microbiology: Principles and Explorations
- What do you mean by prions?arrow_forwardAccording to Philip Bell’s viral eukaryogenesis hypothesis, genes for DNA replication, RNA transcription, protein translation, and histone proteins were all provided by: an endosymbiotic gram-negative eubacterium an endosymbiotic archaeobacterium a gram-positive eubacterial host cell a double-stranded DNA virus an archaeobacterial host cellarrow_forwardViruses are made up of the same biomolecules as cellular organisms (DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, etc.), which are synthesized through enzymatic dehydration reactions from building blocks and disassembled by enzymatic hydrolysis. They infect cells and replicate themselves using resources from the host cells. Scientists discovered a previously unknown strain of virus in the tropical Pacific Ocean and it can infect higher-order eukaryotes. Initial analysis revealed that the virus is mainly composed of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Chemical analysis after complete hydrolysis revealed the following building blocks (by weight): Chemical components Nucleosides Amino acids Lipids, phosphates, and carbohydrates Percentage by weight 20 30 50 Analysis of percentages of nucleosides yielded the following results (by molar ratio): Nucleosides A G T C U Percentage by mole 19 29 19 29 4 Which of the following events mostly involves hydrolysis reaction after the virus infects…arrow_forward
- Genetically speaking, prokaryotes are different from eukaryotes because: a. prokaryotes usually have one main circular chromosome, whereas eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes prokaryotes do not usually have histone proteins to package their DNA prokaryotes do not have a nucleus to house their DNA as eukaryotes do prokaryotes have less total DNA than do eukaryotes All of the abovearrow_forwardDo prokaryotes have replication bubbles?arrow_forwardO O O A new virus is discovered. Its RNA genome encodes several proteins, including a reverse transcriptase enzyme. What can you conclude about replication of this virus? Its replication involves a double-stranded RNA intermediate Its replication involves a DNA copy of its genome Its replication depends entirely on cellular enzymes Its replication is entirely independent of cellular enzymes 00 A deficiency in Base Excision Repair (BER) would primarily sensitize you to mutations caused by radiation, X-rays O Chemicals in smoke, and UV radiation O Unavoidable, spontaneously occurring DNA damagearrow_forward
- According to the seven characteristics of life (1- composed of one or more cells, 2- compelx and organized, 3- respond to environment, 4- grow, develop, and reproduce, 5- obtain and use energy, 6- mainatin homeostasis, 7- allow for evolutionary adaptation), are viruses alive?arrow_forwardProkaryotes contain a ______ chromosome, and eukaryotes contain ________ chromosomes. a. single-stranded circular; single-stranded linear b. single-stranded linear: single-stranded circular c. double-stranded circular; double-stranded linear d. double-stranded linear; double-stranded circulararrow_forwardBacteria contains - 1) double stranded RNA 2) single linear DNA 3) no RNA 4) single circular DNAarrow_forward
- Is the genome shown here from a prokaryote or a eukaryote? Prokaryote There is not enough information to decide Eukaryote Archaeaarrow_forwardViruses are made up of the same biomolecules as cellular organisms (DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, etc.). They infect cells and replicate themselves using resources from the host cells. Scientists discovered a previously unknown strain of virus in the tropical Pacific Ocean and it can infect higher-order eukaryotes. Initial analysis revealed that the virus is mainly composed of nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Chemical analysis after complete hydrolysis revealed the following building blocks (by weight): Chemical components Nucleosides Amino acids Lipids, phosphates, and carbohydrates Percentage by weight 20 30 50 Analysis of percentages of nucleosides yielded the following results (by molar ratio): Nucleosides A G T C U Percentage by mole 19 29 19 29 4 Researchers determined that the lipids found in the virus form a bilayer membrane surrounding the virus, and are obtained from the membrane of the host cell during virus maturation and exit from host cell. Further…arrow_forward(a) What is the function of inclusion bodies in prokaryotic cells?(b)Where are they present?(c) Give two examples of inclusion bodies.arrow_forward
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