After many studies scientists have concluded that viruses are non-living. Choose the answer below that best explains why

Answer 1

Viruses are considered non-living because they do not exhibit the characteristics of life on their own. They cannot reproduce independently; instead, they must invade a host cell and hijack the host's cellular machinery to replicate. Viruses also lack cellular structure, do not carry out metabolic processes, and cannot respond to stimuli without a host. Their dependence on living cells for replication and their inability to maintain homeostasis further classify them as non-living entities.