[Campbell Biology P.448] What is a key characteristic that distinguishes viruses from typica... | Practice Question

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes viruses from typical cells eukaryotic or prokaryotic according to the text?

  • A: They possess a complete metabolic machinery.
  • B: They are larger in size compared to ribosomes.
  • C: They consist of genetic material packaged within a protein coat.
  • D: They can reproduce independently outside of a host cell.

Explanation

The first paragraph of Concept 19.1 states, 'a virus is an infectious particle consisting of little more than genes packaged in a protein coat.' This is the fundamental characteristic distinguishing viruses from cells.