Compare and contrast the traits of viruses and bacteria. Why do most scientists argue that a virus is not considered a living thing? Explain your answer in 2 sentences.(4 points)

Answer 1

Viruses are acellular entities that require a host cell to replicate and do not possess metabolic processes or cellular structures, while bacteria are unicellular organisms that can grow and reproduce independently and have complex cellular machinery. Most scientists argue that viruses are not considered living things because they lack the essential characteristics of life, such as the ability to reproduce on their own and carry out metabolic functions without a host.