Viruses are particles that contain genetic information and infect host cells in order to reproduce. Viruses are not living cells like prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells but do share some commonalities such as the ability to reproduce and the fact that they contain genetic information. Although viruses can reproduce or multiply they do so in a way that is different than prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Viruses must invade another cell in order to reproduce. The virus generally injects its DNA into a host cell and relies on the host cell to produce more viruses. The newly produced viruses then break out of the cell and move on to infect other cells. Many viruses are specific to the cells they attack, however. A cold virus for example, will only attack the cells of your nose and throat.
