Viruses
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.2.7
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 grenc), as they need host cells in order to reproduce. Examples include HIV and the flu virus.
Protein coat
- Viruses are surrounded by layers of protein, which forms a 'coat'.
Genetic material
- Viruses have genetic material (either DNA or a similar substance called RNA) that contains the instructions for the building and functioning of the virus.
Test yourself on Viruses
Which of these is not a virus?