Question

Discuss in detail the discovery , characteristics , structure and types of viruses?​

Answer 1

Answer:

Structure and Function of Viruses :

Viruses are tiny and smaller in its size, ranging between 30-50nm. They usually lack cell wall but are surrounded by a protective protein coating called the capsid. It can be seen as a genetic element and is characterized by the combined evolution of the virus and the host. They contain either RNA or DNA as the genetic material

Viruses mainly depend on a host to deliver the complex metabolic machinery of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells for propagation. The main task of the virus is to carry its DNA or RNA genome to the host cell, which then can be transcribed by the host cell. The viral genome is packed in a capsulated symmetric protein. The protein associated with nucleic acid (Also known as nucleoprotein) produces the nucleocapsid with the genome.

Types if viruses:

1. Animal viruses : The viruses that infect and live inside the animal cell including men are called animal viruses. ex - rabies virus, influenza virus etc. Their genetic material is RNA or DNA.
2. Plant viruses : The viruses that infect plants are called plant viruses. Their genetic material is RNA which remain enclosed in protein coat. ex- potato virus, beet yellow virus etc.
3. Bacteriophage : The viruses which infects bacterial cell are called bacteriophage or bacteria eaters. They contain DNA as genetic material. There are various varieties of bacteriophage. Usually each kind of bacteriophage will attack only one species or only one strain of bacteria.

Hope it helped you...