Virusët

Virusët are microscopic infectious agents that can only replicate inside the living cells of other organisms. They are found in nearly every ecosystem on Earth and are the most numerous type of biological entity. The word "virus" comes from the Latin word for poison.

Viruses are diverse. They infect all types of life forms, including animals, plants, fungi, and even bacteria. Viruses are not cells and lack the machinery to reproduce on their own. Instead, they hijack the reproductive machinery of their host cells, forcing them to produce more virus particles. This process often damages or destroys the host cells, leading to illness.

Viral particles, or virions, typically consist of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid. Some viruses also have an outer lipid envelope derived from the host cell membrane. The size of viruses varies greatly, but they are generally much smaller than bacteria.

The study of viruses is called virology. Viral infections can cause a wide range of diseases, from mild illnesses like the common cold to severe conditions like influenza, HIV/AIDS, and Ebola. However, viruses are also crucial components of many ecosystems and play roles in processes like gene transfer between organisms. Understanding viruses is essential for developing treatments and vaccines against viral diseases.