All viruses are essentially made up of

Options

A. RNA + proteins
B. RNA or DNA+ proteins
C. RNA + non-histone proteins
D. nucleic acids and proteins

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Viruses**: Viruses are classified as infectious agents and are considered obligate intracellular parasites. This means they cannot reproduce or carry out metabolic processes outside of a host cell.

2. **Composition of Viruses**: The essential components of a virus include genetic material, which can be either DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA (ribonucleic acid). This genetic material is crucial for the virus's ability to replicate and infect host cells.

3. **Protein Coat**: Surrounding the viral genetic material is a protective protein coat known as a capsid. The capsid serves to protect the viral genome and aids in the delivery of the genetic material into the host cell.

4. **Infection Process**: When a virus infects a host, it injects its genetic material (either DNA or RNA) into the host cell. The host cell then uses the viral genetic material to produce new virus particles, leading to further infection.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, all viruses are essentially made up of either RNA or DNA, along with proteins that form the capsid.

**Final Answer**: All viruses are essentially made up of RNA or DNA plus proteins.

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