Question

Which of the following organisms is considered to be on the borderline of living and non-living?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Algae
• C. Virus
• D. Fungi

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Virus

The correct option is (C):

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Virus is considered as the connecting link between living and non-living.
2. These are the microbes and are only visible with an electron microscope.
3. Viruses act as non-living outside the host cell and don't show any activity.
4. As soon as they enter the host cells like plant and animal cells, they start to reproduce and form multiple copies.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option (A):

1. Bacteria are the single-celled microbes which are heterotrophic in nature.
2. Bacteria help in food preparation and fermentation.
3. Bacteria differ in shapes- spherical, curved etc.
4. Examples- Salmonella, Pseudomonas

Option (B):

1. Algae are simple plant-like organisms.
2. Algae have chlorophyll and can produce their own food.
3. Examples- Nostoc, Spirogyra

Option (D):

1. Fungi are non-green multicellular plant-like organisms.
2. Fungi are heterotrophic in nature and therefore can't prepare their own food.
3. Examples- Yeast and Mushrooms

Final answer: Virus is considered to be on the borderline of living and non-living.