Viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 5
Viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages.
Each bacteriophage:
A. is completely engulfed by a bacterial cell.
B. multiplies outside a bacterial cell.
C.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. is completely engulfed by a bacterial cell.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect. Bacteriophages do not get completely engulfed by bacterial cells; instead, they attach to the surface and inject their genetic material.
Step 2
B. multiplies outside a bacterial cell.
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Answer
This statement is also incorrect. Bacteriophages multiply within the bacterial cell after injecting their DNA or RNA.
Step 3
C. contains DNA and RNA.
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Answer
This statement is partially misleading. Bacteriophages can contain either DNA or RNA, but not both simultaneously.
Step 4
D. has a protein coat.
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Answer
This statement is correct. Bacteriophages have a protein coat known as a capsid, which protects their genetic material and facilitates attachment to bacterial cells.
