How are viruses similar to living organisms?

Answer 1

There is a lot of debate about this one. Viruses are dimply DNA in a protein capsule. They have none of the cellular machinery that sustains life, but instead use the resources of the host cell. Some consider viruses to be a form of life. Others do not.

Answer 2

They both contain genetic material (RNA OR DNA), and they both reproduce.

A virus is a small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of other organisms. Viruses infect all types of organisms, from animals and plants to bacteria and archaea. Viruses are found in almost every ecosystem on Earth and are the most abundant type of biological entity. Viruses consist of two or three parts: all viruses have genes made from either DNA or RNA, macromolecules that carry genetic information; all have a protein coat that protects these genes; and some have an envelope of lipids that surrounds them when they are outside a cell. The shapes of viruses range from simple helical and icosahedralforms to more complex structures. Most viruses are about one hundred times smaller than an average bacterium. The origins of viruses in the evolutionary history of Life are unclear: some may have evolved from plasmids - pieces of DNA that can move between cells - while others may have evolved from bacteria. In evolution, viruses are an important means of horizontal gene transfer, which increases genetic diversity.

Viruses spread in many ways; plant viruses are often transmitted from plant to plant by insects that feed on sap, such as aphids, while animal viruses can be carried by blood-sucking insects. These disease-bearing organisms are known as vectors. Influenza viruses are spread by coughing and sneezing. The norovirus and rotavirus, common causes of viral gastroenteritis, are transmitted by the faecal-oral route and are passed from person to person by contact, entering the body in food or water. HIV is one of several viruses transmitted through sexual contact and by exposure to infected blood. Viruses can infect only a limited range of host cells called the "host range". This can be broad as when a virus is capable of infecting many species or narrow.

Answer 3

Viruses and living cells both have genetic material and protein (makes up their capsid).

Both can also mutate.

Answer 4

Viruses resemble forms of life because they can multiply. Viruses can also decompose or rot biological material like other life forms.

Answer 5

Viruses are life-like because following reasons

1. They have DNA.
2. They can move.
3. They can reproduce.
   

Answer 6

Reproduction

Answer 7

Surely viruses are living things!

Answer 8

Genetic material, either DNA or RNA.