if viruses are death how come they know to send their dna to host cell?

Answer 1

Not a simple question, but we'll give it a shot.

First, most virologists will tell you that viruses are very much alive. They reproduce via a nucleic acid based information system, evolve, respond to stimuli in the host cell, have definite organization, undergo transcription and translation. They just don't have cells, cytoplasm or organelles.

Secondly, viruses don't really "know" to send their DNA to a host cell. Viruses infect specific host cells based on their ability to get into the cell, and then utilize the cells resources. Once they find an appropriate host viruses pretty much follow the life cycle that has evolved without "thought".

Answer 2

They don't know. They have a protein coat (different proteins for different viruses) that is the same as the protein in a cell in your body. That way they can enter a cell and their DNA gets inserted into your DNA, thereby redirecting the host cell to make more virus particles.

Answer 3

A phage (virus) life cycle:

1) It finds a host, and attaches itself to the host cell's membrane. It injects its DNA into the host cell, and its previous covering (protein coat) is left behind.

2) The virus DNA destroys all of the host cell's DNA, and begin to replicate it's own DNA many times.

3) Using the host cell's materials, it builds itself many new bodies, and now we have many copies of the virus.

4) The host cell ruptures, and the virus is free to go and find another host cell to replicate.

And the cycle repeats.

See this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virus%27#Lifeform_debate

Answer 4

This question is analogous to asking 'If atoms are dead, how do they know how to stabilize themselves by forming stable molecules?' Similarly, viruses are considered to be on the threshold of living and non-living objects. In fact, most scientists are still not clear as to how to classify them.

Answer 5

inside the host cell viruses are not dead but they are living.they are dead outside the host cell

Answer 6

viruses are never alive