Biological Classification Question 120
120. Which statement is wrong for viruses?
[2012]
(a) All are parasites
(b) All of them have helical symmetry
(c) They have ability to synthesize nucleic acids and proteins
(d) Antibiotics have no effect on them
Show Answer
Answer : b
Hints & Solutions
(b) All the viruses are obligate parasite i.e. they remain inert outside the host cell. They have ability to syntheize nucleic acids and proteins by using host cellular machinery (ribosomes, tRNAs, aminoacids, energy). Three shapes are found in viruses helical (elongate body e.g. T.M.V), cuboidal (short broad body with rhombic rounded, polyhedral shape e.g. Poliomyelitis virus) and binal (with both cuboidal and helical parts e.g. many bacteriophages like $T_2$ ). Antibiotics have no effect on them, antiviral drugs can only kill them.
