Which of the following is a structural feature that all viruses have in common?

• A. A lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane
• B. A double-stranded DNA genome
• C. The ability to synthesize their own proteins
• D. A nucleic acid genome surrounded by a protein capsid

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that viruses are obligate intracellular parasites composed of genetic material and a protective protein coat.
2. Identify that all viruses have a nucleic acid genome, which can be either DNA or RNA, but never both simultaneously.
3. Recognize that this genome is always enclosed within a protein shell called a capsid, which protects the viral genetic material.
4. Note that not all viruses have a lipid envelope; this feature is present only in some viruses and is derived from the host cell membrane.
5. Understand that viruses lack the machinery to synthesize their own proteins; they rely on the host cell's ribosomes for protein synthesis.