Asked by Libby

hoose true or false for each claim about viruses below:(6 points)
True False
Viruses can reproduce independently (on their own).


Viruses have genetic material (DNA or RNA) and can evolve (change over time due to mutations).


Since the viruses that cause the common cold mutate so fast, we are not able to formulate a reliable vaccine, but we can treat the symptoms.


Viruses are considered living and are made of cells.


Viruses rely on a host to reproduce.


Viruses grow and develop as they age.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
1. Viruses can reproduce independently (on their own). — False
They require a host cell's machinery to replicate.

2. Viruses have genetic material (DNA or RNA) and can evolve (change over time due to mutations). — True
Viruses carry DNA or RNA and mutate/evolve over time.

3. Since the viruses that cause the common cold mutate so fast, we are not able to formulate a reliable vaccine, but we can treat the symptoms. — True
Many different cold viruses and rapid variation make a universal vaccine impractical; treatment is usually symptomatic.

4. Viruses are considered living and are made of cells. — False
Viruses are acellular and are generally not classified as fully living organisms.

5. Viruses rely on a host to reproduce. — True
They must infect host cells to produce new virus particles.

6. Viruses grow and develop as they age. — False
Viruses do not grow or develop; they are assembled and do not undergo life-stage growth.