What exactly is a virus?
- A virus is a non-living, infectious agent that is composed of genetic material protected by a protein coat. "Virus" literally means slimy, liquid poison in Latin. Instead of reproducing sexually or asexually, they infect a host cell with their DNA or RNA and the host cell begins making copies of the virus until it cannot hold any more. The cell then undergoes apoptosis and dies.
What characteristics do viruses share with living things?
- Viruses are able to reproduce. Although it may not be sexually or asexually, they can still make identical copies of themselves, and this counts as reproduction. Other that that, viruses do not share any common characteristics with living things.
why isn't a virus considered living?
- Viruses cannot reproduce or survive on its own. Also, they do not consume energy, produce waste, make food, or hunt for food.