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A student claims that viruses are alive because they have genetic material and can reproduce. Is this student’s claim correct?(...Asked by Uhh
A student claim that viruses are alive because they have genetic material and can reproduce. Is this student claim correct
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GPT 3.5
The student's claim is not entirely correct. While viruses do contain genetic material (either DNA or RNA), they cannot reproduce independently and lack essential components necessary for life.
Viruses require a host cell to reproduce. They attach themselves to the host cell and inject their genetic material into it, using the host cell's machinery to replicate themselves. They do not have the ability to perform essential life functions such as growth, metabolism, or respiration.
Although viruses exhibit some characteristics of living organisms, they are generally considered non-living because they do not meet all the criteria for life, such as the ability to reproduce independently.
Viruses require a host cell to reproduce. They attach themselves to the host cell and inject their genetic material into it, using the host cell's machinery to replicate themselves. They do not have the ability to perform essential life functions such as growth, metabolism, or respiration.
Although viruses exhibit some characteristics of living organisms, they are generally considered non-living because they do not meet all the criteria for life, such as the ability to reproduce independently.
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