The simple question of whether or not viruses are alive, has defied a simple answer because it raises the fundamental issue: What defines life? Some scientists support the idea that viruses are alive because they contain a nucleic acid.

One key argument against viruses not being alive is that they do not have a cellular structure.

A virus can reproduce asexually via cell division.

Because viruses can spread disease from one organism to another, they are in fact reproducing.

Some scientists believe that a virus responds to its environment when it changes from a dormant to an active form.

Living in a host cell as a parasite qualifies an organism as alive.

Question

Jazmine Adkins

Biology

15 March, 19:24

The simple question of whether or not viruses are alive, has defied a simple answer because it raises the fundamental issue: What defines life? Some scientists support the idea that viruses are alive because they contain a nucleic acid.

One key argument against viruses not being alive is that they do not have a cellular structure.

A virus can reproduce asexually via cell division.

Because viruses can spread disease from one organism to another, they are in fact reproducing.

Some scientists believe that a virus responds to its environment when it changes from a dormant to an active form.

Living in a host cell as a parasite qualifies an organism as alive.

+5

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Gavin Chapman · Answer 1

A virus can reproduce asexually via cell division because viruses can spread disease from one organism to another.

Explanation:

Reproduction is the characteristics of living organisms.

Virus is a unique microorganisms which have both characteristics of living and non-living things. When they are out of the cell, they are non-living while when are put in the living cell, they start growing and causes infection to the cells.

Ezekiel Fernandez · Answer 2

Answer: some scientists support the idea that viruses are alive because they contain a nucleic acid.

one key arugement against viruses not being alive is that they do not have a cellular structure.

some scientists believe that a virus responds to its environment when it changes from a dormant to an active form.

Explanation: usatestprep says so