Describe the basic structure of a virus. What components are always present?

Viruses have genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat called a capsid. Some may also have an outer envelope or special enzymes.

Explain the difference between the lytic and lysogenic cycles of viral replication.

In the lytic cycle, the virus replicates quickly, causing the host cell to lyse (burst) and release new viruses. In the lysogenic cycle, the viral DNA integrates into the host's DNA and replicates along with it, potentially entering the lytic cycle later.

Viruses are not considered living things because they lack many characteristics of life. Which of the following characteristics is the primary reason why viruses require a host cell to replicate?

Viruses lack the cellular machinery needed for replication.

How Viruses Multiply Lesson Plan for Grade 9th Grade

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Learning Objective

I can describe the structure of a virus and the basic pattern of how a virus infects a cell, replicates and spreads

1
Viruses are not cells and are technically not classified as living things because they lack many characteristics of life.
2
All viruses have some type of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, and a protein coat called a capsid.
3
Viruses replicate by attaching to a host cell and injecting their genetic material, then using the cell's resources to make copies of the virus through the lytic or lysogenic cycle.

How Viruses Multiply

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Learning Objective

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Key Concepts

Practice Questions

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