Question

Assertion [A] Viruses are considered to be at the borderline of living and non-living things.

Reason [R] Viruses cannot survive outside the host organism.

• A. Assertion [A] is True and Reason [R] is False
• B. Assertion [A] is True and Reason [R] is True but is an incorrect explanation to [A].
• C. Assertion [A] is True and Reason [R] is True and is a correct explanation for [A].
• D. Reason [R] is True and Assertion [A] is False

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Assertion [A] is True and Reason [R] is True and is a correct explanation for [A].

Viruses are very small organisms which contain genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat covering it. A cellular structure is absent. Therefore viruses depend on the host for their survival. Viruses cannot survive outside the host. They can also be crystallised, which is a property of non-living things. This is the reason why they are considered to be at the borderline of living and non-living things.