What is a basic characteristic of a virus?

A basic characteristic of a virus is that it requires a living host to grow. This is because viruses are not considered living organisms on their own; they lack the cellular structure and metabolic processes necessary for independent life. Instead, they must invade host cells to replicate and produce new viral particles. This dependency on a host cell for reproduction is a defining trait of viruses, differentiating them from bacteria and other pathogens that can grow and multiply in a variety of environments, including non-living surfaces or food products.

Understanding this characteristic is crucial for food safety practices, as it highlights the importance of preventing contamination and transmission of viral pathogens in food handling and preparation environments.