Viruses are most conveniently though of as

Options

A. lost chromosomes
B. the most primitive bacteria
C. particles of genomes
D. prions

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding Viruses**: Viruses are unique entities that are distinct from living organisms. They are not classified as cellular organisms because they lack cellular structures such as a plasma membrane and cytoplasm.

2. **Composition of Viruses**: A virus is primarily composed of two components: nucleic acid (which can be either DNA or RNA) and a protein coat known as a capsid. The nucleic acid can be either single-stranded or double-stranded.

3. **Nature of Viruses**: Viruses are often referred to as "nucleoprotein particles" because they consist of nucleic acid encapsulated in a protein coat. This encapsulation is crucial for the virus's ability to infect host cells.

4. **Life Cycle of Viruses**: To replicate and complete their life cycle, viruses must infect a host cell. They hijack the host's cellular machinery to produce more virus particles.

5. **Classification of Viruses**: Viruses can be classified based on their nucleic acid type (DNA or RNA) and the structure of their capsid. They are categorized as acellular (not composed of cells) and are often found in crystalline forms outside of a host.

6. **Conclusion**: Given these characteristics, viruses are most conveniently thought of as "particles of genome" because they consist of genetic material (nucleic acid) surrounded by a protein coat.

### Final Answer
Viruses are most conveniently thought of as **particles of genome**.

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