They need either DNA or RNA.
You might need to re-phrase your question. At the moment it sounds like you're talking about viruses?
The hereditary material of viruses vary. Some viruses have DNA and some RNA. Viruses with RNA change, for example the flu, that's why we get a shot every year. The viruses with DNA don't change so that's why you need only one shot.
AnswerThey do reproduce but a virus can't reproduce outside of a host cellso the only thing in common really is that the virus needs a cell to reproduceThe only real similarity between viruses and living cells are that they both have some sort of genetic material. Cells have DNA and viruses have either RNA or DNA. But since viruses cannot reproduce on their own (because they are non-living) they need to reproduce by inserting their genetic material into living cells.
All viruses are sharing a common feature that their genetic material DNA or RNA in packed in a protein coat capsid. Enveloped viruses may contain glycoproteins on their envelope (eg:HIV). Virus can not replicate or reproduce themselves, they need to infect their host and integrate their genome into the host for its replication.
The only characteristic of a living thing that is shared by viruses is genetic material, either DNA or RNA. They do not reproduce, their genetic information hijacks a living cell's machinery, and turns the cell into a virus factory, this is called replication. They do not require food. Some viruses have moving parts that allow them to inject their genetic material into the host cell.
ummm.... i think they could discover rare types of donuts from viruses and research.
A cell cannot function without genetic material (with the exception of red blood cells, which do function without genetic material - all they have to do is to contain hemoglobin and float in the blood as it circulates). However, in organisms called prokaryotes the genetic information is not present in the nucleus but in the cytoplasm. This is possible because their genetic material is very simple and does not need the nucleus to protect it from harm.
The news about viruses isn't all bad. In a technique called gene therapy, scientists take advantage of a virus's ability to enter a host cell. They add genetic material to a virus and then us the virus as a "messenger service" to deliver the genetic material to cells that need it. CREDITS TO: NORTH CAROLINA 8TH GRADE PRENTICE HALL SCIENCE EXPLORER
they reproduce independentlyThis is a false statement as viruses need a host cell and it's replicative machinery to reproduce their genetic material.
They contain genetic information
You need to specify in which city and in which country
Exception to "every cell came from another cell": The first cell ever. (Controversial) exception to "a cell is the smallest unit of life"/"all life is made of cells": viral matter. Hope this helps!