Final answer:
Viruses are obligate parasites that benefit by reproducing within a host cell, causing harm to the host, characterizing their relationship as c. parasitism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between viruses and their host cells is best described as parasitism. In this symbiotic relationship, the virus benefits by replicating within the host cell, which often results in harm to or the death of the host cell. Unlike in commensalism, where one organism benefits without affecting the other, or mutualism, where both organisms benefit, parasitism involves one organism (the parasite) benefiting at the expense of the other (the host). Viruses are considered obligate parasites because they require a host cell to replicate and are unable to replicate on their own. This is in contrast to mutually beneficial or neutral relationships seen in some prokaryotic populations where one may benefit or neither are significantly affected.
The relationship between viruses and their host cells can vary, but it is typically parasitic. Viruses are obligate parasites, meaning they rely on a host cell to replicate and survive. They inject their genetic material into the host cell, hijacking the cellular machinery to produce more viruses. In this relationship, the host cell is harmed while the virus benefits.
However, it's important to note that not all viruses cause harm. Some viruses can establish a commensal relationship with their host cells, meaning they do not harm the host cell and may even provide some benefits. For example, some viruses have been found to protect their host cells from other pathogens.