Topic 2: Characteristics of viruses

By the end of the topic, students should be able to:

Define viruses and state their general characteristics.
Describe the acellular nature of viruses and their dependence on host cells for replication.
Explain why viruses are considered to exhibit both living and non-living characteristics.
List features that classify viruses as living entities and those that classify them as non-living entities.
State the size range of viruses and compare it with the size of bacteria and eukaryotic cells.
Explain the significance of viral size in relation to filtration, microscopy, and laboratory detection.
Differentiate viruses from other microorganisms based on size, structure, and metabolic capability.
Illustrate the relative size of viruses using diagrams or models.
Apply knowledge of viral characteristics to explain viral behavior inside and outside the host cell.
Summarize the importance of understanding viral characteristics in veterinary practice, laboratory sciences, and biotechnology.