A scientist isolates a disease-causing particle. Which of the following properties would indicate that the particle is a virus and not a
bacterium?
A.
the ability to reproduce independently
B.
an absence of cellular machinery
C.
a size greater than 400 nm
D. the presence of DNA

The property that could indicate that the particle is a virus is an absence of cellular machinery (option B).

Explanation:

Viruses are particles that are not considered to be living organisms, which is due to a complete absence of organelles or cellular functions.

A virus is genetic material - RNA or DNA - protected by a protein structure called the viral capsid, which may also possess an envelope. They lack organelles, such as a nucleus, mitochondria, ribosome or endoplasmic reticulum, and depend on a cell to replicate.

The absence of cellular machinery in a particle is what makes us think that it is a virus.

Learn more:

Structural level of a virus link