Depending on the virus, it can live for several minutes up to a week or more depending on the environmental conditions.
A virus outside a host cell is generally referred to as a virion. This is the inactive form of the virus that is unable to replicate until it enters a suitable host cell.
capsid wall
An extracellular virus is a virus that exists outside of host cells, in the external environment. It is typically in a metabolically inactive state and is composed of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat, sometimes surrounded by a lipid envelope. Extracellular viruses are responsible for infecting host cells, where they can replicate and propagate their genetic material. Their ability to survive outside host cells allows them to spread and infect new hosts.
few seconds
No. HIV needs a host. It does not live long, outside the body.
Hep B can live for up to a week outside the body.
It would not be advantageous for a virus to kill its host because if the host dies, the virus would also die since it needs the host to replicate and spread. It is more beneficial for a virus to keep the host alive so it can continue to infect other individuals.
No
The outside of a virus is covered by a protein coat known as a capsid. In some viruses, this capsid is further surrounded by a lipid envelope, which is derived from the host cell membrane. The capsid and envelope serve to protect the viral genetic material and facilitate the virus's entry into host cells.
The cell invaded by the virus is called a host cell because it provides the environment and resources necessary for the virus to replicate and multiply. The virus uses the host cell's machinery to produce more viruses, ultimately leading to the destruction of the host cell.
No, a virus has no metabolism whatsoever. It relies entirely on tricking the host cell to do its work; while outside a cell, the virus doesn't move, eat, or anything.
Yes, infection with HIV occurs by the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate or breast milk.