Viruses are acellular infectious agents that contain nucleic acids and are wrapped in a protein coat. They replicate by using the machinery of host cells, either resulting in cell lysis (lytic replication) or integrating their genetic material into the host genome (lysogenic replication). Viruses vary in their genetic material, hosts, size, capsid morphology, and whether they have an envelope. They are classified based on these characteristics as well as whether they have RNA or DNA. Examples of viruses discussed include retroviruses such as HIV and influenza viruses. Viruses can mutate rapidly and cause significant human, plant, and animal diseases.