Can viruses infect bacteria, fungi and plants? – UPSC Prelims PYQ 2016
Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Plants
Select the correct answer using the code given below
- 1 and 2 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
All are correct
- Virus represents dormant life. They are metabolically inactive outside a host body. They invade host cells and use the host cell’s nucleus (DNA machinery) to carry out their life processes.
- Viruses can infect bacteria, fungi, and plants.
- Bacteria – Certain viruses, known as bacteriophages, specifically infect bacteria. These viruses attach to bacterial cells, inject their genetic material, and hijack the bacterial machinery to reproduce.
- Fungi – There are specific viruses, called mycoviruses, that infect fungi. These can affect fungal growth and behavior.
- Plants – Many viruses infect plants, often causing diseases that can lead to visible symptoms such as discoloration, stunted growth, and reduced crop yields.
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3; Difficulty Level: Easy
