Understanding Viruses and Their Life Cycles

Why are viruses not considered living organisms by some scientists?

• They are too small to be seen without an electron microscope.

• They do not have a protein coat or genetic material.

• They are not made of cells and cannot replicate on their own.

• They only infect plants and animals, not bacteria.

What two main components are found in all viruses?

• An outer envelope and enzymes.

• Genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat.

• A cell wall and a nucleus.

• Mitochondria and ribosomes.

What is the final step in the lytic cycle of a virus?

• The virus integrates its genetic material into the host cell's DNA.

• The host cell replicates, making copies of the viral genetic material.

• The host cell bursts, releasing new virus particles.

• The virus attaches to a receptor on the host cell.

How does the lysogenic cycle differ from the lytic cycle in the initial stages of viral infection?

• In the lysogenic cycle, the virus immediately causes the host cell to burst.

• In the lysogenic cycle, the virus's genetic material integrates into the host's DNA and remains hidden.

• The lysogenic cycle only affects bacteria, while the lytic cycle affects all cell types.

• The lytic cycle involves the host cell replicating the viral genetic material, but the lysogenic cycle does not.