65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019

Which of the following does not have any enzyme in its cells?

aLichen
bVirus
cBacteria
dAlgae
eNone of the above/More than one of the above✓ Correct

Explanation

The word “virus” is derived from the Latin word “virus”, which literally means poison or sticky liquid. Viruses are acellular, ultramicroscopic organisms that can multiply only inside a living cell. Generally, enzymes are absent in viruses; however, some viruses such as retroviruses contain certain enzymes. Chemically, a virus is a segment of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat. Outside the host cell, viruses can neither perform any biological activity nor replicate. Enzymes are also present in lichen, bacteria, and algae.

general-science