QQuestionBiology
QuestionBiology
"Which statement best describes viruses?
A. They are alive and can survive long periods of time without a host.
B. They are not alive and therefore cannot affect living things.
C. They are alive, but they need a host cell to survive.
D. They are not alive, but they affect living things."
6 months agoReport content
Answer
Full Solution Locked
Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.
Step 1Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2: Understanding Viruses
Viruses are unique biological entities that challenge the traditional definition of life. To determine the best description, we need to examine their key characteristics.
Final Answer
Viruses are not alive, but they affect living things. Explanation: Viruses are complex biological entities that can only replicate inside host cells, lack independent metabolic processes, and do not meet the scientific criteria for living organisms. However, they can profoundly impact living systems by infecting cells and causing diseases.
Need Help with Homework?
Stuck on a difficult problem? We've got you covered:
- Post your question or upload an image
- Get instant step-by-step solutions
- Learn from our AI and community of students