Question

1. a student claims that the influenza virus replicates in the air and then infects people. which statement best describes the claim?

the claim is true because viruses can infect cells without direct contact.
the claim is true because viruses replicate within the particles of the air
the claim is false because viruses require host cells in order to replicate.
the claim is false because viruses cannot survive in the air
clear all

Explanation:

Viruses are non - living entities that lack the cellular machinery to replicate on their own. They must infect a host cell (such as a human cell in the case of the influenza virus) and use the host cell's resources (like enzymes, nucleotides, amino acids) to replicate. Air particles do not provide the necessary cellular environment for viral replication. While viruses can be airborne (transmitted through the air in droplets), they do not replicate in the air.

Answer:

The claim is false because viruses require host cells in order to replicate.