Which of the following statements correctly describes viruses?

• A. Viruses are capable of independent metabolism and reproduction.
• B. Viruses are acellular entities that require a host cell for replication.
• C. Viruses can grow and divide by binary fission like bacteria.
• D. Viruses contain both DNA and RNA as their genetic material simultaneously.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of viruses: Viruses are unique biological entities that differ significantly from cellular life forms such as bacteria and eukaryotic cells.
2. Recall that viruses are acellular, meaning they do not have a cellular structure like bacteria or human cells. This means they lack organelles and metabolic machinery necessary for independent life processes.
3. Recognize that viruses cannot carry out independent metabolism or reproduce on their own. Instead, they must infect a host cell and hijack the host's cellular machinery to replicate their genetic material and produce new virus particles.
4. Note that viruses contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, but never both simultaneously. This is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from cellular organisms.
5. Understand that viruses do not grow or divide by binary fission like bacteria. Their replication depends entirely on the host cell's processes, making them obligate intracellular parasites.