Question

1. We defined viruses as infectious particles composed of a nucleic acid genome enclosed in a protein coat. We also added, according to André Lwoff, that these particles must be potentially pathogenic. Why do you think this explanation must be included in criteria that such particles have to meet in order to be considered viruses?

Answer 1

Viruses are infectious particles which are obligate parasites by nature. These particles contain their own genetic material, either single or double stranded DNA or RNA and can replicate themselves only when present inside a host system. However, it is absolutely required that the virus must be pathogenic in nature.

The Andre Lwoff's postulate that a viral particle must be pathogenic in nature is absolutely necessary. This fact relies upon the fact that all viral particles are absolute parasites in nature. Thus, any parasite cannot sustain inside a host body unless it is causing any harm to the host by producing some toxins or invading the host immune system, i.e. direct invasion on the physiological system is required.

Thus, this explanation is absolutely required to be included in the identification criteria for viruses.