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Viruses are not an organism at all. They are not alive. They are nonliving. They are like cockle burrs that "grab" hold of your clothing or a dogs coat. They are hijackers. Once they get attached to the cell of a living cell, they can take it over and "make" the living cell produce virus particles instead of cell parts. These parts can assemble into more viruses and then they breakout of the cell (killing it) and begin the process again. They can not make more viruses on their own.
They are very small and can be considered microscopic. We have to use an electron microscope to see them as they are that small.
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You know viruses are not alive because?
viruses do not have the ability to replicate on their own or carry out metabolic functions like living organisms do. They require a host cell to reproduce and do not possess the machinery needed to do so independently.
Viruses have some of the properties of living organisms which is a characteristic of all organisms but NOT of viruses?
Viruses lack the ability to replicate on their own, relying on host cells to reproduce. This autonomous replication is a characteristic of all living organisms, but viruses require a host for this process. Therefore, this is a property of all organisms, but not of viruses.
What characteristic applies to all three domains and viruses?
They have genetic material. (Novanet)
Which is a characteristic of all life?
One characteristic of all life is that it can grow and develop. Living organisms have the ability to increase in size and complexity over time.
Why are dugongs Phylum Cordata?
Dugongs are Phylum Chordata because they possess a notochord at some point in their development, which is a defining characteristic of the phylum. This notochord provides structural support for the body and is present in all chordates at some stage of their life cycle.
Why aren't viruses the most fundamental units of life?
Viruses lack cellular structure and cannot replicate on their own. They rely on infecting host cells to reproduce, making them dependent on other living organisms for their survival. Additionally, viruses do not possess the machinery necessary for metabolism and energy production, key characteristics of living organisms.
Can a virus carry out all the life processes?
No, viruses cannot carry out all life processes on their own as they lack cellular machinery for functions like metabolism and reproduction. Viruses require a host cell to replicate and express their genetic material.
Should viruses be considered a form of life?
Not technically. The do not fulfil all the criteria that we consider to be indicitive of life.
Are viruses living cells?
No, they are not alive at all.
Are viruses Prokaryotic or Eukaryotic?
Viruses are not considered to be either prokaryotic or eukaryotic because they lack the cellular machinery necessary to carry out essential life processes on their own. Instead, they are considered to be acellular entities that require a host cell to replicate and carry out their life cycle.
Can anything not made of cells be alive?
No, living organisms are made up of cells. Non-cellular entities, like viruses, while capable of replication and metabolism, are not considered fully alive because they lack the ability to carry out all the functions associated with life on their own.
What is a characteristic for all life?
One characteristic shared by all forms of life is the ability to grow and develop through the process of metabolism, where energy is used to maintain organization, repair damage, and facilitate growth.
