Question

viruses, although not considered to be alive, attack host cells and cause disease. the attack of a host cell is necessary for the virus to survive for all of the reasons listed except one. that is
a they cannot synthesize proteins because they lack ribosomes and must use the ribosomes of their host cells to translate viral messenger rna into new proteins.

b they cannot produce or store energy in the form of atp and have to get their energy from the host cell.

c they parasitize the host cell for basic molecules like amino acids, nucleotides, and lipids.

d they lack dna/rna so they must use the dna of the host cell.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Viruses lack ribosomes, so they need host ribosomes for protein synthesis. This is a valid reason for needing a host.
• Option B: Viruses can't produce ATP, so they rely on the host for energy. Valid.
• Option C: Viruses need basic molecules (amino acids, nucleotides, lipids) from the host for replication. Valid.
• Option D: Viruses do have genetic material (either DNA or RNA, as seen in the diagram with RNA). So the claim that they lack DNA/RNA is false. Thus, this is the exception.

Answer:

D. they lack DNA/RNA so they must use the DNA of the host cell.