A virus is an infectious microorganism that consists of a nucleic acid, which can either be DNA or RNA, that is enclosed by a protein coat. It affects another organism by replicating itself inside the cells of the host.

Lytic Infection

Virus comes in contact with host cell. It injects its DNA into host cell. Host cell makes mRNA from the virus’ genes. The mRNA is translated into viral proteins used to destroying the host cell. Host cell bursts, viral particles gets release and infect neighboring cells

Lysogenic Infection

Viral DNA is integrated with the host cell DNA and is replicated with the host cell’s DNA. The host cell does not lyse right away, it stays dormant for a period of time

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A **bacteriophage** is a type of virus that specifically infects certain species of bacteria. They cause a viral infection by injecting their genetic material into a susceptible bacterial host.

On the other hand, a **prophage** refers to the genetic material of a bacteriophage that is injected into a bacterial host. This genetic material becomes incorporated into the host’s genome.

These type viruses have RNA as their genetic make up. Their RNA is copied into DNA and is incorporated in with the host cell’s DNA. The genetic information is copied from RNA to DNA.

please see explanation

Many scientists would agree that viruses are not considered to be a form of life. This is because viruses lack several of the hallmarks of life unless they manage to infect a living cell.

For instance, viruses that are found in the outside environment are considered to be nonliving particles. They do not exhibit growth or metabolism, and cannot reproduce by themselves.

However, viruses are capable of reproducing themselves once they infect a living cell. Since they require a host cell to exhibit the signs of life, viruses are not considered as living things.