Compare a virus to a unicellular organism.(1 point)

Question

Responses

Neither unicellular organisms nor viruses respond to stimuli.
Neither unicellular organisms nor viruses respond to stimuli.

Viruses need energy; unicellular organisms do not need energy.
Viruses need energy; unicellular organisms do not need energy.

Viruses reproduce through asexual reproduction; unicellular organisms need a host cell.
Viruses reproduce through asexual reproduction; unicellular organisms need a host cell.

Unicellular organisms have a cell membrane made from a lipid bilayer; viruses have a protein coat.

Answer 1

The most accurate comparison between a virus and a unicellular organism from the options provided is:

Unicellular organisms have a cell membrane made from a lipid bilayer; viruses have a protein coat.

This statement highlights a fundamental difference in structure: unicellular organisms are comprised of cells that have a cell membrane, whereas viruses are composed of genetic material encased in a protein coat and lack cellular structure altogether.

The other statements contain inaccuracies or misunderstandings about the nature of viruses and unicellular organisms. For example, viruses do not utilize energy as living cells do, and they cannot reproduce independently—requiring a host for reproduction, which is not the case for unicellular organisms that can reproduce asexually on their own.