A science student argues that viruses are not alive. To provide the strongest support for this argument, which statement should the student cite?

Question

1. All living things are able to reproduce.
2. All tiny living things cause damage and suffering.
3. All living things are made of cells.
4. All cells are made of tiny, nonliving part

Answer 1

To provide the strongest support for the argument that viruses are not alive, the student should cite:

3. All living things are made of cells.

Viruses do not have a cell structure; they are considered acellular entities and cannot carry out the processes typical of living organisms, such as cell metabolism or replication without a host. Therefore, the fact that all living things are made of cells directly supports the claim that viruses are not alive.