Life science ( grade 11)
Questions and Answers Graded
A+ Newest Edition 2026
Version
1. How do viruses reproduce?
Correct Answer:
Viruses reproduce by attaching to a host cell, entering or
injecting their genetic material, using the host cell's machinery
to replicate their genetic material and produce viral proteins,
assembling new virus particles, and releasing the new viruses
from the host cell.
Rationale:
Viruses are acellular and cannot reproduce independently.
They must infect a living host cell and use the host's cellular
machinery. After attachment and entry, the viral genetic
material directs production of viral components. New capsids
form around the replicated viral genetic material, producing
new virions. These may be released when the host cell
,ruptures (lysis) or, for some viruses, by budding from the cell
membrane. The original wording referring to the virus
releasing "acid" is more accurately described as releasing or
delivering viral genetic material (DNA or RNA).
2. What is the difference between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells?
Correct Answer:
Prokaryotic cells: Lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles; their DNA is located in the nucleoid region of the
cytoplasm.
Eukaryotic cells: Have a membrane-bound nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles.
Rationale:
Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria and archaea, are
structurally simpler and do not have a membrane-enclosed
nucleus. Their genetic material is located in a nucleoid region.
Eukaryotic cells, found in organisms such as animals, plants,
fungi, and protists, contain a true nucleus surrounded by a
nuclear membrane and possess specialized membrane-bound
organelles. This distinction is fundamental to cellular
classification.
, 3. Define microorganisms.
Correct Answer:
Microorganisms are organisms or biological entities that are
generally too small to be seen clearly with the unaided eye
and are found in many different environments.
Rationale:
Microorganisms include bacteria, archaea, microscopic fungi,
protozoa, and microscopic algae. Viruses are also commonly
studied in microbiology, although they are not considered
cellular organisms. Microorganisms are extremely abundant
and occupy virtually every environment, including soil, water,
air, food, and living organisms.
4. What is a virus?
Correct Answer:
A virus is an acellular infectious agent that must infect a
host cell to replicate.
Rationale:
Viruses consist primarily of genetic material, either DNA or
RNA, enclosed within a protein coat called a capsid. Some
viruses also possess a lipid envelope. Because viruses lack the
Questions and Answers Graded
A+ Newest Edition 2026
Version
1. How do viruses reproduce?
Correct Answer:
Viruses reproduce by attaching to a host cell, entering or
injecting their genetic material, using the host cell's machinery
to replicate their genetic material and produce viral proteins,
assembling new virus particles, and releasing the new viruses
from the host cell.
Rationale:
Viruses are acellular and cannot reproduce independently.
They must infect a living host cell and use the host's cellular
machinery. After attachment and entry, the viral genetic
material directs production of viral components. New capsids
form around the replicated viral genetic material, producing
new virions. These may be released when the host cell
,ruptures (lysis) or, for some viruses, by budding from the cell
membrane. The original wording referring to the virus
releasing "acid" is more accurately described as releasing or
delivering viral genetic material (DNA or RNA).
2. What is the difference between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells?
Correct Answer:
Prokaryotic cells: Lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles; their DNA is located in the nucleoid region of the
cytoplasm.
Eukaryotic cells: Have a membrane-bound nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles.
Rationale:
Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria and archaea, are
structurally simpler and do not have a membrane-enclosed
nucleus. Their genetic material is located in a nucleoid region.
Eukaryotic cells, found in organisms such as animals, plants,
fungi, and protists, contain a true nucleus surrounded by a
nuclear membrane and possess specialized membrane-bound
organelles. This distinction is fundamental to cellular
classification.
, 3. Define microorganisms.
Correct Answer:
Microorganisms are organisms or biological entities that are
generally too small to be seen clearly with the unaided eye
and are found in many different environments.
Rationale:
Microorganisms include bacteria, archaea, microscopic fungi,
protozoa, and microscopic algae. Viruses are also commonly
studied in microbiology, although they are not considered
cellular organisms. Microorganisms are extremely abundant
and occupy virtually every environment, including soil, water,
air, food, and living organisms.
4. What is a virus?
Correct Answer:
A virus is an acellular infectious agent that must infect a
host cell to replicate.
Rationale:
Viruses consist primarily of genetic material, either DNA or
RNA, enclosed within a protein coat called a capsid. Some
viruses also possess a lipid envelope. Because viruses lack the
