Multiple Choice Question

Question

Which table correctly compares a virus and a living organism?
A.
Characteristic Virus Living Organism
Composition cells genetic material and proteins
Reproduction through cell division through a host cell
Genetic material DNA or RNA DNA or RNA
Organelles contains organelles does not contain organelles
Crystallization cannot survive can survive
B.
Characteristic Virus Living Organism
Composition genetic material and proteins cells
Reproduction through a host cell through cell division
Genetic material DNA or RNA DNA and RNA
Organelles does not contain organelles contains organelles
Crystallization can survive cannot survive
C.
Characteristic Virus Living Organism
Composition cells genetic material and proteins
Reproduction through a host cell through cell division
Genetic material DNA and RNA DNA or RNA
Organelles does not contain organelles contains organelles
Crystallization cannot survive can survive
D.
Characteristic Virus Living Organism
Composition cells cells
Reproduction through cell division through a host cell
Genetic material DNA and RNA DNA and RNA
Organelles contains organelles does not contain organelles
Crystallization can survive cannot survive

Answer 1

The correct answer is C.

Here’s the reasoning:

1. Composition: Viruses are composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) and proteins, while living organisms are composed of cells.

2. Reproduction: Viruses reproduce by infecting a host cell, which is different from living organisms that reproduce through cell division.

3. Genetic Material: Viruses can have either DNA or RNA; living organisms can have both DNA and RNA, though typically they contain DNA (and in some cases RNA viruses exist but are still classified as living organisms).

4. Organelles: Viruses do not contain organelles, whereas living organisms do.

5. Crystallization: Viruses can crystallize and can survive in a dormant state, while living organisms do not typically crystallize in a way that allows for survival.

Considering these comparisons, option C provides the most accurate distinctions between viruses and living organisms.