Biological warfare organisms differ from chemical agents and toxins; chemical agents and toxins do not grow, reproduce, or die after they have been dispersed. Potential biological warfare agents can be found under links below, using the following classifications:

• Viruses are submicroscopic infectious obligate intracellular parasites (can not be grown outside of an appropriate cell); the only way to reproduce was to use a host-cell system. Viruses contain either RNA or DNA template molecules, normally encased in a protective coat of protein or lipoproteins. The viral nucleic acid is able to organize its own replication only within suitable host cells.
• Bacteria are single-celled organisms that possess cell walls and cell membranes, and have a chromosome composed of DNA. They reproduce under most circumstances via fission.
• Rickettsiae are infectious bacteria that are obligate intracellular parasites (can not be grown in culture outside of an appropriate cell); the only way to reproduce is to use a host-cell system. In general, rickettsiae retain all the intracellular components of bacteria including a cell wall, a plasma membrane and cytoplasm with ribosomes and DNA. They replicate by fission.
• Fungi are a form of primitive vegetable life. Examples include mushrooms, yeasts, and molds. They are plant-like eukaryotes with cell walls. They can reproduce both sexually and asexually.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS

All of the above organisms can be modified using modern genetic engineering techniques. The modified organisms can be designed to be:

• More virulent
• Less susceptible to current treatments
• More difficult to detect using standard techniques

In addition, it is possible through recombinant technology for a benign organism to be given a gene encoding a toxin or other pathogenic substance produced by the pathogenic organism found at the links above.