Question

how can viruses reproduce

Answer 1

well, viruses are non-living. they need and host to reproduce. First they attach to the cell like a puzzle piece. they next inject there DNA or RNA into the cell. the DNA can do one of the following:
A) destroy the hosts DNA and reprogram the cell to make more viruses. This is also called Lytic infection.
B)The DNA combines with the hosts DNA and everytime the cell reproduces it makes more viruses. This is also called Lysogenic infection.
If the virus only has RNA the virus is called a retrovirus. (not because its from the 70's) It has to translate the RNA so the DNA can understand it (like another language)

Answer 2

Viruses function by reproducing. However, in the real sense they do not really reproduce, but multiply. The virus structure is made in a way that allows it to replicate itself, thus creating numerous viruses. This is the reason why many will refer to the process as reproduction. There are two main ways that viruses reproduce or multiply and these are listed below.

Lytic Cycle: With the lytic cycle, the virus attaches itself to a host cell and infuses the cell with its nucleic acid. This acid takes the host cell hostage and the virus begins to multiply with nucleic acid and its protein coat thus developing into new viruses. The host cell is eventually overcome with the new viruses and just like a balloon does when it has too much air, it bursts. The newly formed viruses then carry on with their lytic cycle by searching for new host cells to invade.
Lysogenic Cycle: There are viruses that enter into a host cell but are slow to multiply and these include the HIV virus and herpes. While the viruses’ nucleic acid is present in the chromosome, it is not active and therefore does not immediately affect the cell’s function. However, it will eventually separate from the genetic material of the host cell and take over to multiply. The release of new viruses ultimately kills the host cell giving rise to the lysogenic cycle.