The two essential components shared by all viruses are a core of nucleic acids surrounded by an outer formed from protein.
Question
The two essential components shared by all viruses are a core of nucleic acids surrounded by an outer created from protein.
Solution
Viruses are fascinating entities that blur the lines between living and non-living. The two essential components that all viruses share are:
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Nucleic Acids: This is the core genetic material of the virus, which can be either DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid). This genetic material contains the information necessary for the virus to replicate and produce new viral particles.
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Capsid: The outer layer of the virus, called the capsid, is composed of protein. The capsid serves multiple functions; it protects the viral nucleic acids and helps in the infecting process by facilitating the attachment of the virus to host cells.
In summary, all viruses consist of a core of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA) encased in a protein shell called a capsid. Some viruses may also have an additional lipid envelope surrounding the capsid, but the nucleic acid and the protein coat are essential to all viruses.
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