Which of the following statements is/are correct?

Viruses can infect

1. bacteria
2. fungi
3. plants

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)        

Explanation:

• Viruses have the ability to infect a wide range of hosts that possess living cells, including animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria.
• Their replication process is solely dependent on the living cells of their host organism.
• Viruses infect all types of life forms.
• A bacteriophage is a virus that infects and replicates within a bacterium.
• Mycoviruses are viruses that infect fungi.
• A host of other Viruses affect plants.