What term describes a parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides in cells of biological organisms?

What term describes a parasitic submicroscopic particle that infects and resides in cells of biological organisms?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Virus
• C. Fungi
• D. Prion

Answer: (B)

This item tests understanding of what a virus is. A virus is a parasitic, submicroscopic particle that cannot replicate on its own and must infect a host cell to reproduce. It enters a cell, hijacks the cell’s machinery to make viral components, and often remains inside the cell or spreads as new particles. Viruses are not living cells and are smaller than bacteria. Bacteria are independent single-celled organisms; fungi are larger, eukaryotic organisms such as molds and yeasts; prions are infectious proteins with no nucleic acids. Therefore, the term that fits the description is a virus.

This item tests understanding of what a virus is. A virus is a parasitic, submicroscopic particle that cannot replicate on its own and must infect a host cell to reproduce. It enters a cell, hijacks the cell’s machinery to make viral components, and often remains inside the cell or spreads as new particles. Viruses are not living cells and are smaller than bacteria. Bacteria are independent single-celled organisms; fungi are larger, eukaryotic organisms such as molds and yeasts; prions are infectious proteins with no nucleic acids. Therefore, the term that fits the description is a virus.