Question

While viruses are considered by most scientists to be nonliving, they do show some characteristics of life, including the correlation of structure and function. In a short essay (100–150 words), discuss how the structure of a virus correlates with its function.

Short answer

Viruses consist of a structure that makes them capable of infecting a host cell. It involves a nucleic acid and a protein coat (capsid). In some viruses, the protein coat is surrounded by a membranous envelope.

It helps in the infection process because it is made up of glycoproteins that are recognized by the receptors present in the membrane of the host cell. The genome present in the virus help in the multiplication of the viruses in the host cell.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Characteristics of life

Life is defined by some specific characteristics that are found in all living organisms. These key characteristics are the organization, response to the environment, growth, homeostasis, and reproduction.

Viruses have the capability of reproduction, but they do not show growth and other characteristics of life, and for reproduction, too, they need a host cell.

Step 2: Structure of a virus

Viruses are found in the range of 20-1500 nanometers in diameter. They are not cellular structures but infectious particles that consist of a protein coat surrounding a nucleic acid. Some viruses have a protein coat that is covered by an envelope.

Step 3: Relationship between structure and function of the viruses

Viruses have a structure that correlates with their function. The envelope present on the outer surface of the capsid of viruses contains glycoproteins that help in the attachment of the viruses with the host cells.

The nucleic acid is present as DNA or RNA that can replicate in the host cell during an infection process. It can also attach to the genome of the host and produce proteins that are used to assemble a virus particle.