Question

What characteristics do virus share with “true” living organisms? Why do some scientists argue that viruses are not actually alive, whereas clinically, viruses are considered alive? Make ur argument for or against.

Answer 1

The characteristics that virus share with "true" living organisms are:-

- they carry Genetic material in the form of either DNA or RNA like other living organisms.

- they also reproduce and evolve through natural selection like other living organisms.

- some scientists argue that viruses are not actually alive because :-

- they lack cell structure , that are necessary to count as living organisms .

- They are inert outside the host like non-living things.they only can survive inside a host cell.

- when virus infect a cell, it control the host protein synthesizing mechinary and forms it own viral particles, thereby reproduce itself.so they are considered clinically alive.

Hope this helps , thanks