Viruses Structure and Symmetry

Virus: Structure and Symmetry

Giant Virus
Giant Virus

What is a virus?

A virus is a tiny infectious agent made of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat that can only reproduce inside living host cells.

How do viruses infect host cells?

Viruses attach to specific receptors on a host cell’s surface, enter the cell, and use the host’s machinery to replicate and produce new virus particles.

Are viruses considered living organisms?

Viruses are not considered fully living because they cannot reproduce or carry out metabolic processes independently; they require a host cell to replicate.

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