The following points highlight the two main theories on living hypothesis of viruses. The theories are: 1. Organism Theory 2. Molecular Theory. Theory # 1. Organism Theory: The supporters of the living hypothesis argue that growth and reproduction are chief distinctive characteristics of living things (organisms). Viruses possess both. They grow, reproduce and undergo mutations and become adapted to the [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Historical Account of Viruses 2. General Characteristics of Viruses 3. Origin 4. Chemical Composition. Historical Account of Viruses: Some of the plant diseases, although not attributed to viruses at that time, were observed quite early. Breaking of Tulip was recorded as early as 1576 while potato curl disease and peach yellows were [...]
In this article we will discuss about the classification of viruses. It is still in a fluid state. Whether viruses are plants or animals is purely an academic question and difficult to answer with any assurance. Perhaps they are neither. According to the commonly accepted view, the viruses represent the transition stage between the living and non-living world. In other [...]