Textbook Question
Compare and contrast a bacterium and a virus by writing either “Present” or “Absent” for each of the following structures.
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1. Introduction to Microbiology
Acellular Infectious Agents: Viruses, Viroids & Prions
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Which of the following characteristics of living things is NOT true about viruses?
A
They can reproduce independently without a host cell.
B
They can evolve over time.
C
They can infect both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
D
They contain genetic material such as DNA or RNA.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the characteristics of living things, which typically include the ability to reproduce independently, evolve over time, contain genetic material, and interact with other organisms.
Step 2: Review the nature of viruses, noting that they contain genetic material (DNA or RNA) and can infect both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Step 3: Recognize that viruses can evolve over time through mutations and natural selection, which aligns with a characteristic of living things.
Step 4: Identify that viruses cannot reproduce independently; they require a host cell to replicate their genetic material and produce new virus particles.
Step 5: Conclude that the statement 'They can reproduce independently without a host cell' is NOT true for viruses, distinguishing them from other living organisms.
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