A virus, despite being classified differently than living organisms, exhibits some traits associated with living things, particularly when it comes to mutations. Here are the relevant traits:
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Reproduction: Viruses reproduce, but only by infecting a host cell and hijacking its machinery to create copies of themselves. This process can lead to mutations as errors can occur during replication.
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Genetic Variation: Mutations in viral genomes contribute to genetic variation, which can influence how viruses evolve over time. This is a key trait for the survival and adaptation of living organisms.
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Adaptation: Through mutation and natural selection, viruses can adapt to their environments, such as developing resistance to antiviral drugs or changes in host immune responses.
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Response to Stimuli: While viruses do not respond to stimuli in the way living organisms do, they can exhibit changes based on their interactions with host cells and other environmental factors.
It's important to note, however, that viruses are often considered to be on the edge of living and non-living entities because they lack cellular structure, do not carry out metabolic processes independently, and cannot reproduce without a host.
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