What is the smallest infectious agent that can replicate only inside living cells?

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The smallest infectious agent that can replicate only inside living cells is a virus. Viruses are unique in that they lack the cellular structure and metabolic machinery found in living organisms. They are composed primarily of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat.

To reproduce, viruses must infect a host cell, where they hijack the cell's machinery to replicate their genetic material and produce new virus particles. This reliance on a host cell for replication is a defining characteristic of viruses, distinguishing them from other infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which can often reproduce independently in various environments.

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can grow and multiply on their own without needing a host. Fungi, including yeasts and molds, are also independent organisms that can thrive in various environments and have complex structures, including cell walls. Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotic organisms that can live independently and typically have more complex processes for reproduction. Thus, viruses stand out for their dependence on living hosts for replication, making them the smallest infectious agents in this context.

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