To determine which among the options is not a general characteristic of viruses, let’s look at each choice:
- a) Obligate intracellular parasite: This is a defining characteristic of viruses. They cannot reproduce outside of a host cell.
- b) Does not produce ATP: Viruses do not generate ATP on their own; they rely on the host cell’s machinery for energy and replication.
- c) Genome is surrounded by a protein coat: This is true for viruses, as they typically have a protein shell, known as a capsid, which encases their genetic material.
- d) Can self replicate in the appropriate host: This statement is misleading. Viruses cannot self-replicate; they require a host cell to replicate their genomes and produce new virus particles.
Considering the explanations, the correct answer is d) can self replicate in the appropriate host, as viruses need a host cell for replication, and they do not have the machinery to do it independently.