Are viruses living or non-living?

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Solution

Viruses are considered as something between living and non-living because they do not grow or reproduce by themselves. This makes them non-living. However, when a virus enters a living cell of an organism, it obtains energy from the host cell and starts reproducing. This makes them living, as reproduction is an important characteristic of living organisms.

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Similar questions

Why is there a controversy whether viruses are living or non-living?

Organise a discussion in your class on the topic- Are viruses living or non-living?

Which of the following statement(s) is/are true about viruses?

i. Viruses are neither living or non-living organisms.

ii. Viruses can live freely.

iii. Viruses use the host cell to reproduce.

iv. Viruses do not have DNA or RNA.

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