Question

Describe Holmes' proposed classification of viruses.

Answer 1

Classification of Viruses:

1. The primary criteria used to classify viruses are features of the viral particles themselves, such as the form of the capsid, the kind of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA, double or single-stranded), the replication process, the host species they infect, or the illness they cause.

Classification of Viruses by Homes:

1. According to the kind of host, the Holmes classification divides viruses into three groups: Phaginae (attacks bacteria), Phytophaginae (attacks plants), and Zoophaginae (attacks animals).
2. Some virologists accept these categories, however, not all virologists are happy with how viruses are currently categorized.