Why Aren't Viruses Classified as Living Organisms

Question

Why aren't viruses classified as living organisms?
A) Viruses don't possess a nucleus.
B) Viruses aren't capable of replicating themselves without a host cell.
C) Viruses don't always contain DNA as their genetic material.
D) Viruses don't contain any proteins.

Accepted Answer

Viruses cannot replicate themselves without a host cell because they lack metabolic machinery required for biochemical reactions. This is one of the key characteristics of living organisms. Therefore, they are considered as non-living entities or acellular organisms.