Why are viruses living things?

Answer 1

Yes and no. Yes, they do respond to stimuli, reproduce, have different levels of organization, they are composed of cells, they grow, adapt, and use energy.

However, Viruses can only do these things If they have a host to use. So, Yes they do show all the characteristics of living things, and no, not unless they have a host.

Answer 2

This question is arbitrary, but here's a negative opinion on this:

Viruses do not have, nor exist as, a cell. Cells are a clear sign of life in any microbe, whether just one (unicellular) or many (multicellular).

Viruses do not create proteins despite the presence of ribosomes in some. There are many strategies for a virus to obtain the needed protein, usually through a genome which supplies it for each new pathogen. The virus will oftentimes infect a host cell which integrates the genome and makes proteins for the virus with it's own ribosomes.

Viruses DO contain DNA / RNA, but in order to replicate it, they require a host cell. Point of focus being, they 'hijack' the living aspect from the host cell.

The protein coat of a virus can be considered a cell wall, but as for repelling outside forces, it is quite bad the purpose.

Answer 3

Viruses are not considered living things because they cannot reproduce on their own and do not have cellular structures like living organisms. Instead, viruses need to infect a host cell to replicate.

Answer 4

As they are actually dead which makes it so hard to rid a virus and they come to life when they start to feed on your body.Glad to help.

Answer 5

because you go into sites that are bad or like facebook myspace live lots of viruses

Answer 6

they reproduce in inside a cell and multiply

Answer 7

Because they reproduce and spread

Answer 8

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