| Viruses are infectious agents that replicate inside the body of a host |
In biology, viruses are microscopic entities that are able to replicate inside the cell of its host. The definition of viruses differs among scientists because these entities can neither be classified as living organisms nor non-living entities. This is due to the fact that the viruses possess certain characteristics of living organisms as well as inanimate objects.
For instance, viruses can replicate like living organisms, however, they can only do so within the host’s cell. However, viruses do not contain essential cellular components that are paramount for life. Hence, it has to “hijack” the cellular machinery of its host to produce copies of itself. Unlike living organisms, viruses can be crystallized and can remain active.
Main Article: Virus
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Frequently Asked Questions on Virus Definition
Define Virus
Viruses are defined as infectious agents that have the capability to replicate inside a host cell.
Name some characteristics that viruses share with living organisms
Viruses evolve by natural selection and reproduce multiple copies of itself. Viruses also have genes which are fundamental characteristics of life.
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