All of the following descriptions of viral multiplication and viral nucleic acids are true except which of these answers?

• A. Viruses replicate only in living cells.
• B. Viruses contain DNA or RNA, not both.
• C. Viruses use the cell's biosynthetic machinery to synthesize copies of themselves.
• D. The nucleic acid of a virus is surrounding by a protein coat.
• E. Viral mRNA, viral tRNA, and viral ribosomes are used in viral replication.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they can only replicate within a living host cell.
2. Recognize that viruses contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, but not both simultaneously.
3. Acknowledge that viruses rely on the host cell's biosynthetic machinery, such as ribosomes, enzymes, and energy, to replicate and produce new viral particles.
4. Note that the nucleic acid of a virus is encased in a protein coat called a capsid, which protects the genetic material and aids in the infection of host cells.
5. Identify the incorrect statement: Viruses do not have their own mRNA, tRNA, or ribosomes; instead, they hijack the host cell's machinery to translate viral proteins, making the statement about viral mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes incorrect.