The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author K SURESH KUMAR

Question

Which of the following phenomenon proves that viruses are living?

K SURESH KUMAR · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Defining Characteristics of Life
	**Related Topics**: Viral Structure, Viral Replication, Metabolism, Respiration
	**Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of life processes and virus biology.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	The question asks for the characteristic that proves viruses are living.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. Analyze each option in relation to the characteristics of life.
		Reasoning: Living organisms exhibit certain key characteristics, including reproduction, metabolism, growth, and response to stimuli. Viruses are unique in that they lack many of these characteristics outside of host cells.
	2. Evaluate option A: Viruses do not carry out metabolic activity on their own.
		Reasoning: Viruses lack the cellular machinery for metabolism.
	3. Evaluate option B: Viruses do not carry out anaerobic respiration on their own.
		Reasoning: Viruses lack the cellular machinery for respiration.
	4. Evaluate option C: Viruses multiply in host cells.
		Reasoning: Viruses can only reproduce by using the host cell's machinery.
	5. Evaluate option D: Causing infection is a consequence of viral replication and doesn't define life.
		Reasoning: Infection is a symptom rather than a defining characteristic of life.
	6.  Identify the correct answer. 
		Result: The correct answer is that viruses multiply in host cells.
		Verification: This is the key characteristic that sets viruses apart and is often used to classify them as living (though this is still debated).
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Viruses do not have their own metabolism; they rely on host cells.
[B] :x: Viruses do not carry out respiration, they rely on host cells for energy and building blocks.
[C] ✓: Viral multiplication within a host cell is a key characteristic associated with life.
[D] :x: Causing infection is a consequence of viral activity but does not prove they are living. Many non-living things can cause infections too.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing infection with life: Infection is a consequence of replication, not a defining characteristic.
		2. Assuming viruses have their own metabolism: Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and rely on host cells.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Remember that viruses need a host cell to replicate, which is a key characteristic of life for them.
		2. Associate replication with the definition of living organisms.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

They carry metabolic activity

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

They carry anaerobic respiration

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

The correct Option is "They multiply in host cells"

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

They cause infection

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