Concept explainers
Are viruses prokaryotes? Eukaryotes? Why or why not?
To explain: The reason for why or why not the viruses are considered to be prokaryotes or eukaryotes.
Introduction: Prokaryotes and eukaryotes are the basic cell types of all living cells. The prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack membrane-bounded nucleus and organelles. The eukaryotes possess a distinct nucleus that contains the genetic material of the cell.
Explanation of Solution
The viruses are neither prokaryotes nor eukaryotes. The viruses do not fit into either of these categories. This is because the viruses are minute acellular particles. They lack the capability of multiplying on their own. They use the host’s cellular machinery for their replication. Like the prokaryotes or eukaryotes, the viruses do not possess cellular membranes. The viruses contain only the genetic material (DNA/RNA) encapsulated within the protein capsid. The viruses inject their DNA into the host and incorporate the DNA into the host’s DNA and start replicating using the metabolic process of the host cell. Thus, the viruses are not considered to be either prokaryotes or eukaryotes.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 5 Solutions
Microbiology: Principles and Explorations
- What is the origin (or origins) of viruses? Is there evidence that viruses have multiple origins? Show us the evidence.arrow_forwardWhy are viruses called biologist puzzle?arrow_forwardWhy do the two types of viruses differ if each has plus configuration single stranded RNA as its genome?arrow_forward
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)BiologyISBN:9780134580999Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. HoehnPublisher:PEARSONBiology 2eBiologyISBN:9781947172517Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann ClarkPublisher:OpenStaxAnatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781259398629Author:McKinley, Michael P., O'loughlin, Valerie Dean, Bidle, Theresa StouterPublisher:Mcgraw Hill Education,
- Molecular Biology of the Cell (Sixth Edition)BiologyISBN:9780815344322Author:Bruce Alberts, Alexander D. Johnson, Julian Lewis, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter WalterPublisher:W. W. Norton & CompanyLaboratory Manual For Human Anatomy & PhysiologyBiologyISBN:9781260159363Author:Martin, Terry R., Prentice-craver, CynthiaPublisher:McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.Inquiry Into Life (16th Edition)BiologyISBN:9781260231700Author:Sylvia S. Mader, Michael WindelspechtPublisher:McGraw Hill Education