UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 43 of 99

UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Viruses Characteristics

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Viruses lack enzymes necessary for the generation of energy
2. Viruses can be cultured in any synthetic medium
3. Viruses are transmitted from one organism to another by biological vectors only

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: A. 1 only

Statement by statement

Statement 1 is correct because viruses do not possess the cellular machinery or metabolic enzymes required for generating energy independently. They depend entirely on host cells for survival and reproduction.

Statement 2 is incorrect because viruses cannot grow in synthetic media like bacteria or fungi; they require living host cells for replication.

Statement 3 is also incorrect because viruses can spread through multiple modes such as air, water, direct contact, contaminated food, and biological vectors. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.

Extra UPSC info

Viruses are often described as obligate intracellular parasites because they can reproduce only inside living cells.

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