Viruses are infectious agents that cause diseases in animals and plants. They are unique because they are neither fully living nor fully non-living. They are not cells, cannot replicate independently, and cannot synthesize their own energy and proteins. They are too small to be seen under a light microscope. This topic covers the discovery, characteristics, and structure of viruses.
Definition
Viruses: Viruses are pathogens which cause diseases in animals and plants. They are not cells; they are not capable of independent replication. They cannot synthesize their own energy and proteins. They are too small to be seen under the light microscope.
In simple words: Viruses are tiny infectious agents that can only reproduce inside living cells.
Core Concept
Viruses are pathogens that cause diseases in animals and plants.
They are not cells.
They are not capable of independent replication.
They cannot synthesize their own energy and proteins.
They are too small to be seen under the light microscope.
They show characteristics of both living and non-living things.
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