Question

What characteristics of viruses make them seem like living things? What characteristics make them seem nonliving?

Answer 1

The characteristics of viruses that make them seem like living things include:

1. Reproduction: Viruses can reproduce, using the genetic material of their host cells to replicate themselves.

2. Mutation: Like living organisms, viruses can also evolve, and undergo genetic mutations that allow them to adapt to changing environments.

3. Interaction: Viruses can interact with other living organisms, infecting them and sometimes causing them harm.

On the other hand, the characteristics of viruses that make them seem nonliving include:

1. Lack of independent metabolism: Viruses cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own and rely on the host cell to provide energy for reproduction.

2. No cellular structure: Viruses lack the cellular structure that is a defining characteristic of living organisms.

3. Inactivity outside of the host: Viruses are inactive outside of a host cell, and cannot grow, reproduce or maintain homeostasis on their own.