Why don't most scientist consider viruses to be alive?

Answer 1

Most scientists consider viruses as the link between living an non living organisms. Viruses are considered non-living by some scientists because -

1) They donot perform any metabolic activities.

2) Outside the host cell , viruses are present only in crystalised form. (Even after it is un-crystalised , it does not lose it's capacity for infection)

3) It does not require any sort of "food".

Answer 2

Most scientists do not consider viruses to be alive because they lack key characteristics of living organisms, such as the ability to carry out metabolism and reproduce on their own. Viruses are dependent on host cells to replicate and lack the necessary cellular machinery to perform life-sustaining functions independently.

Answer 3

they are not alive because they do not eat, produce waste, breathe, reproduce on their own, and most importantly they are not made of cells

Answer 4

Scientists consider dormant virions to be nonliving organisms. However, active viruses are considered to be living organisms, by most scientists.