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Virus- Why are they unique?

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Added on  2019-10-18

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This article discusses the characteristics of viruses and their classification as living or non-living organisms. It explores the debate on whether viruses can be considered as living or non-living and the reasons behind it. The article also suggests that alternative methods of classification are required for viruses.

Virus- Why are they unique?

   Added on 2019-10-18

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Virus- Why are they unique?IntroductionThe word “virus” is derived from a Latin word for “poison”. The initial interest was stemmed from its association with various diseases like rabies, foot-and-mouth etc. (Villarreal, L, 2004)DiscussionThe characteristics of Life:1.The living organisms are composed of cells.2.The living organisms require energy for carrying out metabolic activities which produces molecules that help the organization to sustain. 3.The living organisms have ability to replicate on their own and can also perform the samefunction on a truly living organism affecting their host cells in the most profound manner.4.The living organisms have ability to grow.5.The Living organisms have a collection of integrated organs, for example in multicellularorganisms, various organs are present whereas unicellular organisms are composed of several structures or molecular machines. 6.The living organisms have genetic material stored in their cells.Viruses:The parasites skirting a boundary between life and the inert matter are termed as viruses. Virus iscomposed of the same nucleic acid molecules and proteins as other living cells but lack the ability of replicating and spreading on their own. This assistance is provided to them via a host cell. On replicating the viruses produce new genes. In case the produced gene is innovative and as a useful function, it gets incorporated into the host cell’s genome becoming a permanent
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