GCE CIE Biology - Basic Features of Viruses

1.2.f Outline the key features of viruses as non-cellular structures (limited to protein coat and DNA/RNA).

You may have heard about various viruses including:

- SARS,

- H1N1 Swine Flu,

- H5N1, Bird Flu, and more recently

- Coronavirus (STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE YOU GUYS!) .

So let's take a look at what viruses are, as well as their structures:

• Unlike prokaryotes and eukaryotes, viruses do not have a cell structure. 
• They do not have a cell surface membrane. 
• Viruses are also very small (about 20–300nm)
• They simply consist: 
  • DNA or RNA for replication
  • A protein coat called a capsid

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During this coronavirus pandemic, stay safe and wash your hands! As always, till next time! 😷 🧼 🛁

Written by Aayushi | GCE CIE Biology Specialist @ TUTTEE

References:

Jones, M., & Parkin, M. (2018). Cambridge International AS and A level biology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.