Viruses contain either DNA or RNA

Viruses are infectious agents that are much smaller than cells and are composed of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat (capsid). Some viruses also have an outer envelope made of lipids. They are considered to be non-living entities because they cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own and require a host cell to replicate.

Explanation:
Viruses are submicroscopic particles that are smaller than bacteria and cannot be seen under a light microscope. They are acellular, meaning they do not have a cellular structure like bacteria or other microorganisms. Instead, they are composed of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid. This genetic material contains the instructions for making more viruses.

Variety of Genetic Material:
Viruses can contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material. Viruses with DNA genomes are called DNA viruses, while those with RNA genomes are called RNA viruses. DNA viruses include examples like the herpesviruses, adenoviruses, and poxviruses, while RNA viruses include the influenza viruses, HIV, and the common cold viruses.

Host-dependent Parasites:
Viruses are considered to be obligate intracellular parasites, which means they cannot multiply or carry out metabolic processes without a host cell. They rely on the host cell's machinery to replicate and produce more viruses. Once inside the host cell, the virus takes over the cell's resources and uses them to produce viral components, assemble new viruses, and release them to infect other cells.

Antibiotics and Viruses:
Antibiotics are substances that are used to treat bacterial infections, but they are not effective against viral infections. This is because viruses are structurally and functionally different from bacteria. Antibiotics work by targeting specific structures or processes in bacteria that are essential for their survival or growth. Since viruses do not have these structures or processes, antibiotics are not effective against them. Viral infections are typically treated with antiviral drugs that target specific steps in the viral replication process.

In conclusion, the correct statement about viruses is that they contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material. Viruses are host-dependent parasites that require a host cell to replicate, and they cannot be killed by antibiotics.