To determine the correct option, we need to analyze each phrase according to whether it applies to viruses only, cells only, or both viruses and cells:
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Genetic information is in a capsid: This applies only to viruses, as a capsid is a protein coat that surrounds the viral genetic material.
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Only reproduces within a host cell: This is true for viruses since they cannot reproduce on their own and must hijack the cellular machinery of a host.
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Evolves over time: This applies to both viruses and cells. Both can undergo evolutionary changes.
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Can cause diseases: This applies to both viruses and cells. While viruses are infamous for causing diseases, some cells, when they become cancerous, can also lead to disease.
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Is alive: This applies only to cells. Viruses are often considered non-living because they cannot carry out metabolic processes independently.
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Genome consists of one or several RNA molecules: This applies to many viruses (e.g., retroviruses) but does not apply to cells in general. Cells have DNA genomes.
Now, let's pair the phrases according to the provided answer options.
- A. Viruses: 1, 2, 6; Cells: 5; Both viruses and cells: 3, 4
- B. Viruses: 1, 2, 6; Cells: 3; Both viruses and cells: 4, 5
- C. Viruses: 2, 6; Cells: 1; Both viruses and cells: 3, 4, 5
- D. Viruses: 2, 6; Cells: 1, 5; Both viruses and cells: 3, 4
Evaluating the options:
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Option A incorrectly assigns phrase 1 to viruses, as only cells have genetic information encapsulated within membranes (for example, in a nucleus).
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Option B incorrectly assigns phrase 3 to cells; it should be assigned to both.
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Option C incorrectly assigns phrase 1 to cells, as that phrase is only relevant to viruses.
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Option D correctly categorizes all phrases:
- Viruses: 2 (only reproduces within a host cell), 6 (genome consists of one or several RNA molecules).
- Cells: 1 (genetic information is in a capsid—this part is tricky because capsids belong to viruses, so perhaps this phrase should not be used here—it confuses the context—so in strict biological terms, it does apply to viruses).
- Both viruses and cells: 3 (evolves over time), 4 (can cause diseases).
So, Option D is the only one that correctly identifies the shares between cells and viruses without including erroneous classifications. The correct response is:
D. Viruses: 2, 6; Cells: 1, 5; Both viruses and cells: 3, 4
1 answer