Viruses exhibit characteristics of both living and non-living entities. Which of the following properties of viruses MOST strongly supports the argument AGAINST their classification as living organisms?
Presence of genetic material (DNA or RNA)
Ability to evolve and adapt to their environment
Inability to reproduce independently outside a host cell
Specific interaction with host cells
Related Questions
Among the following choose the properties shown by the living organism exclusively?
I. growth
II. increase in mass
III. self-replication ability
IV. response to touch stimuli
I and II
II and IV
I and III
III and IV
A researcher observes an isolated system containing complex organic molecules undergoing spontaneous self-assembly into membrane-bound structures. These structures exhibit rudimentary metabolism but no reproduction or heritability. Which characteristic of life is the MOST significant barrier preventing these structures from being classified as living organisms?
Metabolism
Cellular organization
Reproduction and growth
Adaptation
A scientist discovers a novel entity exhibiting complex organic molecules, compartmentalization, and energy transformation. However, it lacks a definitive cellular structure and doesn't demonstrate heritability. Which characteristic of life is MOST definitively absent in this entity?
Metabolism
Reproduction and growth
Adaptation
Response to stimuli
Viruses exhibit characteristics of both living and non-living entities. Which of the following properties of viruses MOST strongly supports the argument AGAINST their classification as living organisms?
Presence of genetic material (DNA or RNA)
Ability to evolve and adapt to their environment
Inability to reproduce independently outside a host cell
Specific interaction with host cells
