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That is debatable. There are two solid arguments.
Viruses can't reproduce without a host cell. Viruses can't transfer food into energy. They don't create waste. They don't fit the current definition of life.
Viruses can more, reproduce at all, have nuclei. The definition of life was imperfect and needs to be changed because viruses fit many standards.
I personally don't know.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoA virus is a living organism
A virus (from the Latin virus meaning toxin or poison) is a microscopic organism consisting of genetic material (RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein, lipid (fat), or glycoprotein coat. Viruses are unique organisms because they cannot reproduce without a host cell. After contacting a host cell, a virus will insert genetic material into the host and take over the host's functions. The cell, now infected, continues to reproduce, but it reproduces more viral protein and genetic material instead of its usual products. It is this process that earns viruses the classification of "parasite".
Non-living, because it is not able to perform all life functions without a host.
Wiki User
∙ 6y agoStill being debated. While viruses have genetic material, and are capable of replication, they have no true metabolism, and must use a living organism as a host, as they can't actually perform these 'life' functions themselves. Also note that viruses have been synthesized in the laboratory, but still there is no claim that scientists have actually created a living thing.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoA virus is a living organism
A virus (from the Latin virus meaning toxin or poison) is a microscopic organism consisting of genetic material (RNA or DNA) surrounded by a protein, lipid (fat), or glycoprotein coat. Viruses are unique organisms because they cannot reproduce without a host cell. After contacting a host cell, a virus will insert genetic material into the host and take over the host's functions. The cell, now infected, continues to reproduce, but it reproduces more viral protein and genetic material instead of its usual products. It is this process that earns viruses the classification of "parasite".
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoViruses are non-living and cannot survive outside of a living host for long, unlike bacteria.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoViruses kind of mess up the sharp dividing line between "alive" and "not alive". Arguments can be made either way. Most scientists consider them not truly alive.
Anonymous
Non living
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Are viruses nonliving?
Active (non-killed) viruses are living organisms.
Why are viruses non-living?
They are not alive. They are nonliving. They are like cockle burrs that "grab" hold of your clothing or a dog's coat. They are hijackers. Once they get attached to the cell of a living cell, they can take it over and "make" the living cell produce virus particles instead of cell parts. These parts can assemble into more viruses and then they break out of the cell (killing it) and begin the process again. They cannot make more viruses on their own.
Is aluminum living or nonliving?
Nonliving
Is dust living or nonliving?
dust is non-livingAdditional answerBut some dust consists of old skin cells (now dead, but were living) and pollen (living) spores (living).
Is a virus a nonliving or living?
Viruses are not an organism at all. They are not alive. They are nonliving. They are like cockle burrs that "grab" hold of your clothing or a dog’s coat. They are hijackers. Once they get attached to the cell of a living cell, they can take it over and "make" the living cell produce virus particles instead of cell parts. These particles can assemble into more viruses and then they break out of the cell (killing it) and begin the process again. They cannot make more viruses on their own.
Which contagions are considered to be nonliving organisms?
Viruses, although the opinion on their non-living status may be changing.
Why are viruses classified as non living particles?
They do not reproduce asexually or sexually. Viruses need a host like a cell in order to reproduce. In the dormant state, they are virions, and considered to be nonliving. However, in their active state, as viruses, they are considered to be living organisms.
How are viruses different to living organism?
They are Different because Viruses are nonliving.
Are viruses nonliving?
Active (non-killed) viruses are living organisms.
Is a nonliving particles that causes disease?
Viruses are considered to be non-living things, and are capable of causing disease. The reason viruses are not considered living is because they lack many of the characteristics of life until they infect a host cell.
What is a nonliving particle that causes a disease?
Viruses are considered to be non-living things, and are capable of causing disease. The reason viruses are not considered living is because they lack many of the characteristics of life until they infect a host cell.
Virus is living or nonliving?
A virus is considered non-living. It does not have all the characteristics of a living thing unlike bacteria. Viruses need living cells to reproduce while any living things can reproduce (asexually or not).
Would you classify viruses as a livind thing or nonliving thing?
Living. Because viruses are caused by germs...which are living organisms
Why are viruses called living as well as nonliving organisms?
Hapyy birthday to you
Why are bacteria considered nonliving?
Bacteria are considered to be living because they fulfill the requirements of the Cell Theory. Viruses, however, are generally classified as nonliving because they are not made of cells, they cannot reproduce independently, they generally do not react to noxious stimuli, etc.
What organism is considered living and nonliving?
we can
Why are viruses considered to be nonliving (apex)?
They cannot live outside of a host.
