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A way of replicating itself.

Viruses can not replicate themselves because they are, basically, genetic material covered in a protein capsid. So, they must enter a living cell, hijack the reproductive process of the cell and have the cell turn out copies of the viruses genetic material and protein capsid. Then the viruses manufactured in the cell causes lysis of the cell and the viruses emerge to infect more cells.

A simplified expexplanation of the lytic cycle.

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12y ago

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Related Questions

The cell infected by a virus is referred to as the?

The cell infected by a virus is referred to as the host cell. The virus hijacks the host cell's machinery to replicate and produce more virus particles.


What is the cell that a virus infects?

Host Cell


How do you describe an active virus?

The virus attaches to the host cell, it takes over the functions of the host cell, and it eventually destroys it. If there was no host cell, the virus would die.


What is a virus called outside a host cell?

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.


What does a virus require for replication?

Viruses need a living host for reproduction. They, themselves, are not alive, so they must have a living host to provide the material to use for building duplicates, as well as for the energy to use in the production.


What stage is it when a virus enters a host cell?

The virus enters the host cell in the penetration phase.


Does the host cell usually benefit from having a virus?

The host cell does not benefit from having a virus. The virus usually kills it.


Why is the cell invaded by the virus called a host cell?

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.


What can a virus do without a host cell?

It can do nothing. It needs the host cell to make more virus particles.


What is a host cell for a virus?

A host cell for a virus is a cell that the virus can infect and hijack to replicate itself. The virus enters the host cell, takes over its machinery to produce more virus particles, and then spreads to infect other cells.


How does a virus attatch to a host cell?

A virus attaches to a host cell by recognizing and binding to specific proteins or receptors on the cell surface. This attachment is necessary for the virus to enter the host cell and begin the process of infection.


What is a process that a virus can do in a host?

First the virus enters the host cell, then the virus' hereditary material come, then the host cells hereditary material becomes viral, then the host cell expands, and then it POPS!!!