Unit 8: Viruses
This unit will introduce you to viruses. Viruses are in the grey zone between life and inorganic matter. You have learned that the cell is the smallest unit of life, because it can sustain all life functions including reproduction on its own. Most viruses are smaller than cells. They do not feed or reproduce on their own; instead, they hijack their host's metabolism when they multiply. All viruses are comprised of a nucleic acid core surrounded by a protein coat. Viruses are all categorized into seven groups based on the type of nucleic acid they carry. Viruses, while tiny, have powerful effects on their hosts; they can even cause cancer, birth defects, and death.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 21 hours.