Cellular Structures - Viruses

Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 1.3.7

Viruses

Viruses are not considered to be living. This is because they are sometimes not in cells, and they cannot reproduce on their own (remember mrs gren), as they need host cells in order to reproduce. Examples include HIV and the flu virus.

Protein coat

Protein coat

  • Viruses are surrounded by layers of protein, which forms a 'coat'.
Genetic material

Genetic material

  • Viruses have genetic material that contains the instructions for the building and functioning of the virus.

Test yourself on Cellular Structures - Viruses

  • Which of these is not a virus?

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