Which of the Following is a Feature Shared by Viruses

Question

Which of the following is a feature shared by viruses and living organisms?
A) possession of a genome that directs synthesis of materials necessary for replication
B) presence of cytoplasm
C) metabolic capability
D) responsiveness
E) the ability to increase in size

Accepted Answer

Both viruses and living organisms possess a genome that directs the synthesis of materials necessary for replication. However, viruses do not possess the metabolic capability, cytoplasm or responsiveness to stimuli that are characteristic of living organisms. The ability to increase in size is also not a shared feature, as viruses do not grow in size or undergo cell division.