Which feature do viruses share with animal cells?

Viruses and animal cells both have a genetic code that is encoded in nucleic acids, specifically DNA or RNA. This feature is fundamental to the biology of both viruses and animal cells, as it allows them to store and transmit genetic information that dictates their functions and characteristics.

In animal cells, DNA serves as the genetic material that is organized into chromosomes and is used to guide the synthesis of proteins essential for the cell's structure and function. Similarly, viruses can contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, which they use to hijack host cellular machinery for the purpose of replication and protein synthesis. This shared feature underscores a fundamental aspect of life, highlighting how both entities rely on nucleic acids to carry instructions necessary for growth, development, and reproduction, despite their significant differences in biology and structure.