Question

How do viruses get their names?

Answer 1

Viruses

1. Virus is a submicroscopic organism that can replicate only inside a living host cell.
2. Their genomic material can be either RNA or DNA.
3. The names of viruses are based on their morphology (shape and size), chemical structure, the type of host they infect, and mode of reproduction.
4. Viruses are named by the ICTV (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses).
5. On the other hand, the virus’s popular names are selected depending on the countries of origin.
6. For example- viruses that infect bacteria are called bacteriophages, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is so named because it affects the immune system of humans and leads to immunodeficiency disorders.