1. The virus grows in living cells. Viruses are unique in that they cannot reproduce on their own; instead, they must infect a host cell and hijack its machinery to replicate. Once inside a living cell, the virus uses the cell's resources to produce new viral particles. This process can result in the dRead more

    The virus grows in living cells. Viruses are unique in that they cannot reproduce on their own; instead, they must infect a host cell and hijack its machinery to replicate. Once inside a living cell, the virus uses the cell’s resources to produce new viral particles. This process can result in the death or dysfunction of the host cell, and the newly produced viruses can then go on to infect other cells. This is how viruses spread and cause infections. Viruses cannot grow in dead bodies, water, or sugar solutions because they lack the cellular machinery necessary for their replication outside of a living host.

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  2. Viruses are considered non-living because they lack cellular structure and cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own. While they can reproduce, they can only do so by hijacking a host cell's machinery. Outside of a host, viruses remain inert and cannot grow or respond to stimuli. They do notRead more

    Viruses are considered non-living because they lack cellular structure and cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own. While they can reproduce, they can only do so by hijacking a host cell’s machinery. Outside of a host, viruses remain inert and cannot grow or respond to stimuli. They do not possess the characteristics of life such as independent growth, metabolism, or homeostasis. Although they can undergo mutation and evolve, these changes occur only during replication inside a host cell. Their inability to perform vital functions independently classifies them as non-living entities.

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  3. Enzymes are absent in viruses. Unlike fungi, slime molds, and bacteria, which are living organisms with cellular structures and metabolic processes that involve enzymes, viruses are much simpler entities. Viruses consist mainly of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat and lRead more

    Enzymes are absent in viruses. Unlike fungi, slime molds, and bacteria, which are living organisms with cellular structures and metabolic processes that involve enzymes, viruses are much simpler entities. Viruses consist mainly of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat and lack the cellular machinery necessary for metabolism or enzyme production. Instead, viruses rely on the host cell’s machinery to replicate and produce the proteins they need for their life cycle. This absence of enzymes and cellular metabolism is one of the reasons viruses are considered non-living and exist on the boundary between living and non-living matter.

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  4. HIV is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which leads to the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus targets the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, weakening the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases. HIV is transmitted through theRead more

    HIV is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which leads to the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus targets the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases. HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Early symptoms of HIV may include flu-like symptoms, but the disease can progress without noticeable symptoms for years. If left untreated, HIV can advance to AIDS, which is characterized by a severely weakened immune system and an increased risk of opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Treatment for HIV involves antiretroviral therapy, which can control the virus and prevent the progression to AIDS, allowing individuals to live longer, healthier lives.

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  5. AIDS virus, also known as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), is a single-stranded RNA virus. This virus belongs to the retrovirus family and has a genome composed of single-stranded RNA. When HIV enters a host cell, it uses the enzyme reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genome into DNA. This DRead more

    AIDS virus, also known as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), is a single-stranded RNA virus. This virus belongs to the retrovirus family and has a genome composed of single-stranded RNA. When HIV enters a host cell, it uses the enzyme reverse transcriptase to convert its RNA genome into DNA. This DNA then integrates into the host cell’s genome, allowing the virus to replicate and spread within the body. HIV attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which weakens the immune response and makes the body susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. As the virus progresses and the immune system becomes severely compromised, the condition known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can develop. Effective antiretroviral therapy can control the virus and improve the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS.

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