VIRUSES ARE OFTEN CONSIDERED NON-LIVING ENTITIES BECAUSE THEY____

Answer 1

Viruses are often considered non-living entities because they lack many characteristics that define life. Specifically, they do not possess cellular structure, cannot independently carry out metabolic processes, and cannot reproduce on their own. Instead, viruses require a host cell to replicate and propagate. They are unable to perform functions such as energy metabolism or homeostasis outside of a living organism. This dependency on host cells for reproduction and lack of independent life processes are key reasons why they are classified as non-living.