Chemically, viruses are made up of

Explanation

The correct answer is option C, which states that viruses are made up of both nucleic acid and protein. This dual composition is crucial for their functionality. The nucleic acid, which can be either DNA or RNA, houses the genetic information necessary for the virus to replicate and infect host cells. The protein components, primarily the capsid, protect the nucleic acid and facilitate the virus's interaction with host cells.Options A and B are incorrect as they only consider one component of viral structure, neglecting the essential presence of the other. Option D is misleading because while some viruses do have a lipid envelope, it is not a characteristic applicable to all viruses, making nucleic acid and protein the fundamental components.