HESI A2 Biology 2024 Related

Review HESI A2 Biology 2024 related questions and content

Which structure might be described as a core of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat?

  • A. RNA
  • B. Virus
  • C. Blue-green alga
  • D. Saprophyte
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A virus can be described as a core of nucleic acid (either RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein coat, known as a capsid. This structure distinguishes viruses from other microorganisms such as blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria), fungi known as saprophytes, or individual RNA molecules. Viruses depend on a host cell to replicate and are considered non-living entities due to their inability to carry out metabolic functions independently.