Which of the following best compares viral reproduction to reproduction in other organisms?

A. Viruses do not contain genes that are replicated and passed on.

B. Viruses must commandeer the mechanisms of a host cell in order to reproduce.

C. Viruses and single-celled organisms use mitosis as a reproductive process.

D. Viruses can only reproduce asexually while other organisms have a choice.

Question

Biology

Jolly

16 December, 08:54

Which of the following best compares viral reproduction to reproduction in other organisms?

A. Viruses do not contain genes that are replicated and passed on.

B. Viruses must commandeer the mechanisms of a host cell in order to reproduce.

C. Viruses and single-celled organisms use mitosis as a reproductive process.

D. Viruses can only reproduce asexually while other organisms have a choice.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Orozco · Answer 1

B. Viruses must commandeer the mechanisms of a host cell in order to reproduce

Explanation:

Virus is an organism that is incapable of replicating on its own without infecting a living host cell. A viral cell is dependent on a living host to replicate and express its genes. Hence, the infection cycle of a virus is its reproductive life cycle.

Other living organisms e. g plant, bacteria, fungi etc. have the ability to reproduce i. e. multiply on their own through asexual or sexual means. However, on the contrary, a virus must infect a living host, hijack the replicational abilities of the host cell in order to reproduce. Based on this, a virus employs a lysogenic or lytic cycle or both on its host to reproduce.