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Name: Crystal
Status: Other
Grade:  Other
Location: VA
Country: United States
Date: Summer 2009
Question:
Why do viruses require a hosts cellular machinery?


Replies:
Because all a virus is, is a piece of DNA or RNA wrapped up inside of a protein coat. It contains no ribosomes or other protein synthesizing machinery (transfer RNAs, amino acid activating enzymes) that are required for protein synthesis.

Ron Baker, Ph.D.


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