Viruses are referred to as obligate parasites because
A) viral DNA inserts itself into host DNA.
B) they reproduce and then exit the cell.
C) they use the host's energy to live.
D) they use the host cell's nucleotides and enzymes to reproduce.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Viruses are obligate parasites because they require the host cell's nucleotides and enzymes to replicate their genetic material and produce new viral particles. Without the host cell, viruses are unable to replicate or survive. Viral DNA may or may not insert itself into the host DNA, but this is not the defining characteristic of obligate parasitism. Viruses can exit the cell after replication, but this is not unique to obligate parasitism. Viruses also use the host's energy to support replication, but once again, this is not the key feature of obligate parasitism.

Viruses Are Referred to as Obligate Parasites Because