Viruses infect healthy host cells by injecting their genetic material into the host cell and hijacking the cellular machinery of the cell to produce more viruses. Eventually, as the host cell produces more and more copies of the virus, it will explode, releasing the newly produced viruses into the surrounding environment to infect other host cells. Without a host cell, a virus is not capable of replicating itself. Based on the four principles of life discussed in class, are viruses alive? Please justify your answer.

Viruses infect healthy host cells by injecting their genetic material into the host cell and hijacking the cellular machinery of the cell to produce more viruses. Eventually, as the host cell produces more and more copies of the virus, it will explode, releasing the newly produced viruses into the surrounding environment to infect other host cells. Without a host cell, a virus is not capable of replicating itself. Based on the four principles of life discussed in class, are viruses alive? Please justify your answer.

Biology 2e

2nd Edition

ISBN:9781947172517

Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark

Publisher:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark

Chapter5: Structure And Function Of Plasma Membranes

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 18RQ: Many viruses enter host cells through receptor- mediated endocytosis, What is an advantage of this...

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