Final Answer:
The given statement "Viruses can be described by the type of nucleic acid it has and its shape" is 1) True.
Step-by-step explanation:
Viruses can indeed be characterized by the type of nucleic acid they possess and their shape. The genetic material in viruses can be either DNA or RNA, and the shape can vary widely. This classification is fundamental in understanding the diversity of viruses and their impact on host organisms.
Firstly, the distinction between DNA and RNA viruses is crucial. DNA viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus, carry their genetic information in the form of double-stranded DNA, while RNA viruses, like the influenza virus, use single-stranded RNA. This dissimilarity plays a pivotal role in the virus's replication process and its interaction with host cells.
Secondly, the shape of a virus is an additional criterion for classification. Viruses can have different shapes, including helical, icosahedral, or complex. For instance, the tobacco mosaic virus exhibits a helical structure, while the adenovirus has an icosahedral shape. These variations in shape are often linked to the virus's structural components and contribute to its ability to infect specific host cells.
In conclusion, the accurate classification of viruses based on their nucleic acid type and shape is a fundamental aspect of virology. This classification aids researchers in understanding the unique characteristics of each virus, guiding efforts in developing treatments, vaccines, and preventive measures. Therefore, the statement that viruses can be described by the type of nucleic acid they have and their shape is unequivocally true.