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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 dogs 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 breakout of the cell (killing it) and begin the process again. They can not make more viruses on their own.
They are very small and can be considered microscopic. We have to use an electron microscope to see them as they are that small.
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∙ 11y ago
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What characteristic applies to all three domains and viruses?
They have genetic material. (Novanet)
Viruses have some of the properties of living organisms which is a characteristic of all organisms but NOT of viruses?
One of the characteristics is they contain genetic material (DNA), which is a characteristic that all living things must have in order to be considered living. And also when inside a host, they are able to reproduce, which all living things must be able to do.
What is a characteristic for all life?
React to stimulus
Which is a characteristic of all life?
One single characteristic, if you have to pick one, is that it multiplies, or reproduces.
You know viruses are not alive because?
Viruses do not have all the characteristics of life. They are missing life span, homeostasis, metabolism, growth and are not made of cells.
What characteristic is common to all of the nutrients?
All are needed for life processes.
Are viruses Prokaryotic or Eukaryotic?
Neither, viruses are unique to themselves and don't belong to any classification of life. Viruses are not considered living things because they do not perform all the functions of life therefore they are considered organic particles.
Why are dugongs Phylum Cordata?
Dugongs are Phylum Chordata because they possess a notochord at some point in their development, which is a defining characteristic of the phylum. This notochord provides structural support for the body and is present in all chordates at some stage of their life cycle.
Can a virus carry out all the life processes?
Viruses in fact cannot carry out all of the life processes that organic cells can. Viruses cannot perform metabolic processes.
Why is breathing not a characteristic of life?
Respiration, in and of itself, is a key characteristic of living things. However, breathing as humans do, with lungs, is not how all living things respire.
What characteristic of life ties all branches of science together?
cell
Should viruses be considered a form of life?
Not technically. The do not fulfil all the criteria that we consider to be indicitive of life.
