Topic 2

Course Content Learning outcomes General Characteristics of Viruses Living and non-living characteristics of viruses Laboratory cultivation of viruses The size of viruses Study questions for Topic 2

Viruses are unique entities that possess certain general characteristics distinct from living organisms. While they are not classified as living organisms due to their inability to carry out metabolic processes…

Living and non-living characteristics of viruses Are Viruses Alive? The best analogy is that of a seed which under appropriate conditions, it becomes ‘‘alive’’ A virus differs in that it…

Viruses, unlike living organisms, cannot carry out metabolic processes or replicate on their own. They lack the necessary cellular machinery for growth and reproduction. As a result, viruses rely on…

Topic 2: Characteristics of viruses The size of viruses Viruses exhibit a wide range of sizes, and their dimensions can vary significantly depending on the type of virus. Generally, viruses…

State 2 living characteristics of viruses. State 3 non-living characteristics of viruses. List 3 criteria used to define a virus. A virus that infects only bacteria is termed a _________…