A virus has either a DNA or an RNA genome and is called a DNA virus or an RNA virus, respectively. Some RNA viruses, for example retroviruses, have a stage in their replication cycle where the genome is encoded in DNA. [59] Virus, infectious agent of small size and simple composition that can multiply only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria.

Understanding the Context

Viruses possess unique infective properties and thus often cause disease in host organisms. Learn about the history, types, and features of viruses. VirusTotal Assistant Bot offers a platform for users to interact with VirusTotal's threat intelligence suite and explore artifact-related information effectively. A virus is an infectious microbe consisting of a segment of nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.

Key Insights

A virus cannot replicate alone; instead, it must infect cells and use components of the host cell to make copies of itself. A virus is a small piece of genetic information in a “carrying case” — a protective coating called a capsid. Viruses aren’t made up of cells, so they don’t have all the equipment that cells do to make more copies of themselves. A virus is a microscopic infectious agent composed of genetic material—either DNA or RNA—enclosed within a protein coat known as a capsid. Some viruses also possess an outer lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane.

Final Thoughts

When a virus infects a cell, the virus forces it to make thousands more viruses. It does this by making the cell copy the virus's DNA or RNA, making viral proteins, which all assemble to form new virus particles.