Features of organisms — Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science
Viruses: why they are not made of cells, and their two features, a protein coat and genetic material.
Revision notes
1 short note, in the order of the specification. Each one in short:
A virus is a particle much smaller than a bacterium that is not made of cells, so it does not fit into the five kingdoms. Its features are limited to two: a protein coat, which surrounds and protects the genetic material, and the genetic material inside it, which carries the instructions for making new viruses.
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Quick check questions
Supplement State the two features of a virus.
Show answer
A protein coat and genetic material.
Written and checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653) specification · Updated October 2026