Biology
Human Health and Diseases Solutions
HCS_21-22_Biology_Unit 4
Question 6
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The following table provides current information about the chemical composition of the main types of viruses.
Biochemical
Description
composition
of viruses
Nucleic acids
Nucleic acids can be in the form of DNA or RNA. RNA viruses do not have DNA, but instead
have RNA to carry genetic information. Retroviruses can modify the host cell's main genome
by introducing RNA to DNA.
Proteins
Proteins can be structural and non-structural (expressed by the host cell, but not part of the
structure of the virus). Metabolic enzymes or structures specialized in protein synthesis are
provided by the host cell.
Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are mainly part of glycoproteins of the capsid. No glucose for energy present.
They are involved in cell-virus recognition and immune system activity and are responsible for
virus-host specificity.
Lipids
Mainly derived from the host cell's membranes when virus has replicated, and exits the cell.
For some viruses, the capsid is surrounded by a lipid bilayer, but it has not been synthesized
by the virus itself.
Based on current evidence of the composition of viruses shown in the table, which of the following
macromolecules MOST accurately provides reasons to believe that viruses are non-living things?
A
nucleic acids
B
proteins
carbohydrates
D
lipids
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