Question

Why do viruses occupy the borderline between the living and nonliving?

• A. Presence of chitin in the cell wall
• B. Absence of chloroplast
• C. Absence of cell structure
• D. Absence of mitochondria

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Absence of cell structure

All cells contain 3 basic cell structures: nucleus, cell membrane and cytoplasm with organelles. Viruses have only a protein coat and the genetic material making up their structure. They are inactive outside a host cell and can replicate only using the resources of the host. Since they lack the basic cell structures, viruses are acellular.