Viruses Flashcards
1
Q
Characteristics of viruses
A
Obligate multicellular parasites
Grow and multiply only within living cells of the host
Mature viruses are made up of protein and a single type of nucleus acid
Elongate, rounded or complex in shape
2
Q
Viruses: Living or non-living?
A
LIVING Possessive genetic material (either DNA or RNA) Can replicate inside a living cell NON-LIVING non-cellular Cannot replicate without the host cell Does not possess ribosomes, mitochondria, etc Only has one type of nucleic acid
3
Q
Harmful viruses
A
Tobacco mosaic (Plants)
Foot and mouth (Animals)
Measles (Humans)
4
Q
Benefits of viruses
A
Genetic engineering
Horticulture (control size of rhubarb)
