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Describe the main characteristics of viruses.
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Dear student,The main characteristics of viruses are:1). They are non-cellular and very simple in structure, consisting mainly of a nucleic acid surrounded by a protein envelope called capsid. 2)They are ultra-microscopic and can only be visualized under electron microscope. 3)A virus is called either ‘DNA virus’ or ‘RNA virus’ depending on whether it contains the nucleic acid DNA or RNA. 4)They have spikes, which helps them to attach to the host cell. 5)They do not respire, do not metabolize and do not grow but they do reproduce. Hope this helps! REGARDS!!

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Below you could see characteristics of viruses
  • They are enclosed in a protective envelope.
  • They have spikes, which helps them to attach to the host cell.
  • They are non cellular.
  • They do not respire, do not metabolize and do not grow but they do reproduce.
  • They contain a protein coat called the capsid. 
  • They have a nucleic acid core containing DNA or RNA.
  • Ribosomes and enzymes are absent, which are needed for metabolism.
  • They are considered both as living and non living things, as viruses are inactive when they are present outside of host cells and are active in side of host cells. As they make use of raw materials and enzymes of the host cell to reproduce and causes several infections.
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