Which two statements support the claim that viruses are non-living?

Question

Responses

Viruses evolve by mutating over time in response to their environment.
Viruses evolve by mutating over time in response to their environment.

Viruses contain a genetic code in the form of DNA or RNA.
Viruses contain a genetic code in the form of DNA or RNA.

Viruses do not have machinery for reproduction.
Viruses do not have machinery for reproduction.

Viruses do not have to breathe in oxygen.
Viruses do not have to breathe in oxygen.

Viruses are composed of either DNA or RNA enclosed in a protein capsid, so they are not made out of cells.

Answer 1

The two statements that support the claim that viruses are non-living are:

1. Viruses do not have machinery for reproduction.
2. Viruses are composed of either DNA or RNA enclosed in a protein capsid, so they are not made out of cells.

These statements highlight the lack of cellular structure and independent reproductive capability, which are characteristics associated with living organisms.