Which of the following can serve as host cells for viruses?

• A. Bacteria, plants, animals, and fungi
• B. Only animals
• C. Only plants and fungi
• D. Only bacteria

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that viruses require host cells to replicate because they lack the cellular machinery to reproduce on their own.
2. Recall that viruses are highly specific to their host range, meaning different viruses infect different types of organisms.
3. Recognize that viruses can infect a wide variety of hosts, including bacteria (these viruses are called bacteriophages), plants, animals, and fungi.
4. Eliminate options that limit the host range to only one or two groups, since viruses are known to infect all these groups.
5. Conclude that the correct answer includes bacteria, plants, animals, and fungi as potential host cells for viruses.