In: Biology
Why do most scientists agree that viruses are nonliving entities?
They cannot replicate outside host cells. |
They are composed of relatively simple components. |
They are not composed of cells. |
They pass through filters. |
They cause diseases in host cells. |
Option A;- CORRECT
Reason:-Viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens.They cannot replicate outside the host cell because they lack their own cellular machinery. It is an exclusive non-living characteristic of the virus.
Option B:-Incorrect
Reason:-Viruses are composed of simple components. The basic structure of the virus includes genetic material DNA/RNA. The genetic material is protected by a proteinous layer called a capsid. But this is not a non-living characteristic of virus.
Option C:-Incorrect
Reason;- Viruses are not made up of cells. They are made up of genetic material that is surrounded by a protective proteinous layer called a capsid.
Option D:- Incorrect
Reason: Viruses can pass-through filters as they are small in size. Even the bacteria like mycoplasma can pass through a filter. So it is not an exclusive non-living characteristic of viruses.
Option E:-Incorrect.
Reason:- Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites. This is not an exclusive non-living characteristic of virus.