Which of the following statements is/are correct? Viruses can infect 1. bacteria 2. fungi 3. plants Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Reviewed by Dalvoy
UPSC Civil Services preparation
- A1 and 2 only
- B3 only
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3Correct
Explanation
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they can only replicate inside the living cells of other organisms. Their ability to infect is broad, encompassing various forms of life:
1. **Bacteria**: Viruses that infect bacteria are known as bacteriophages (or simply phages). These are widely studied in molecular biology and biotechnology.
2. **Fungi**: Viruses that infect fungi are called mycophages. While less commonly discussed than viruses infecting other kingdoms, they are known to exist and can influence fungal pathogenicity and growth.
3. **Plants**: Plant viruses are numerous and cause a wide range of diseases in agricultural crops and wild plants. They are significant concerns for agriculture globally.
Given their parasitic nature and diverse mechanisms of infection, viruses can indeed infect bacteria, fungi, and plants.

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