Chemically viruses are

Options

A. carbohydrates
B. glycoproteins
C. lipopolysaccharides
D. nucleoproteins

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Viruses**: Start by understanding what viruses are. They are small obligate intracellular parasites that require a host cell to replicate and cause diseases.

2. **Composition of Viruses**: Identify the main components of viruses. They are primarily made up of genetic material, which can be either DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) or RNA (Ribonucleic Acid).

3. **Protein Coat**: Recognize that viruses have a protective layer known as the capsid, which is a protein coat that surrounds the genetic material. This capsid is essential for the virus's ability to infect host cells.

4. **Chemical Nature of Viruses**: Conclude that chemically, viruses are classified as nucleoproteins. This term indicates that they consist of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) combined with proteins (the capsid).

5. **Functionality in Host**: When a virus infects a host, the protein coat aids in the entry of the viral genetic material into the host cell, allowing the virus to hijack the host's cellular machinery for replication.

**Final Answer**: Chemically, viruses are nucleoproteins, consisting of nucleic acids (either DNA or RNA) and a protein coat (capsid).

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