0
Viruses do not really "eat" because they are not alive. They are called microbes and microscopic organisms by some scientists for ease of discussion, but they don't meet the strict definitions of these, so other scientists prefer to call them "sub-microscopic infectious agents".
They carry pieces of DNA or RNA and attach to and enter a living host's cells (plant or animal) and cause those cells to create more viruses. The virus causes this replication by modifying the DNA of the "invaded" host cells to make them stop their original function in the host and turn into a cell functioning only to reproduce copies of the virus. The material and energy needed to reproduce them is not coming from the virus or to the virus in the form of food, it is provided by the host animal's or plant's cells. Viruses can not continue to replicate (stay "alive") without the host cell doing the work and providing the materials.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How are viruses similar to living organisms and how are they different?
Viruses are similar to living organisms because both contain hereditary material (RNA or DNA), and both reproduce. Viruses are different from living organisms because they do not use energy to grow, and do not use energy to respond to their surroundings.
Can viruses infect plants by themselves?
no
Why are viruses intracellular?
viruses are intracellular because they need to use cells to replicate themselves
Do viruses come in many shapes and sizes?
yes but a lot of viruses are copies of themselves
How did Greeks during this time period sustain themselves economically?
DHS :)
WHY do viruses reproduce in the living cell?
to divide themselves
Can viruses reproduce by themselves?
No. Viruses must invade a host cell and hijack its resources to replicate itself.
What can viruses attach themselves to?
Computer viruses can be attached to e-mail messages, address books, and attachments.
Can viruses can reproduce by themselves?
No. Viruses must invade a host cell and hijack its resources to replicate itself.
How do eagles stay alive?
Eagles nurture themselves to stay alive. They also drink enough water to sustain themselves.
What eats chiggers?
Well they don't really "eat" anything what they sustain themselves on is blood
Why are the narwhales not endangered?
The Inuit people are legally allowed to hunt the narwhals to sustain themselves.
