Which statement best describes how a virus replicates?

• A. A virus synthesizes its own proteins and enzymes independently in the environment.
• B. A virus uses photosynthesis to generate energy for replication.
• C. A virus injects its genetic material into a host cell, hijacking the host's machinery to produce new viral particles.
• D. A virus divides by binary fission, similar to bacteria.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they cannot replicate independently outside a host cell.
2. Recognize that viruses lack the cellular machinery (such as ribosomes and enzymes) necessary for protein synthesis and energy production.
3. Identify that viral replication involves the virus attaching to a host cell and injecting its genetic material (DNA or RNA) into the host.
4. Know that once inside, the viral genetic material hijacks the host cell's machinery to synthesize viral components like proteins and nucleic acids.
5. Finally, these components are assembled into new viral particles, which are then released to infect other cells.