Key Features of Viruses: Genetic Material, Capsid, Replication, Infectiousness, Non-Living Nature, and Size

What features do all viruses have?

genetic material and a capsid

All viruses share some common features:

1. Genetic Material: All viruses contain genetic material which can be either DNA or RNA, but not both. This genetic material carries the instructions required for the virus to replicate and spread inside the host cell.

2. Capsid: All viruses have a protective protein shell called a capsid. The capsid is made up of protein subunits called capsomeres. It helps to protect the virus from the host’s immune system and also helps it to enter into the host cell.

3. Replication: To replicate, viruses require a host cell. They use the host cell machinery to reproduce, make new copies of themselves, and spread to other cells.

4. Infectiousness: All viruses are infectious agents that can cause diseases in humans and other living organisms.

5. Non-living: Even though viruses contain genetic material, they are not considered living organisms. This is because they cannot reproduce or perform metabolic processes on their own.

6. Size: Viruses are very small, usually less than 0.2 microns in size. That means, they are much smaller than bacteria and can only be seen under an electron microscope.

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