Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry, are viruses considered to be living organisms?
A
No, because they lack cellular structure and cannot reproduce without a host.
B
Yes, because they contain genetic material.
C
Yes, because they can reproduce independently.
D
No, because they do not undergo metabolism.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of living organisms in biology, which typically includes characteristics such as cellular structure, metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli.
Consider the structure of viruses: they are composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat, but they lack cellular structure.
Analyze the reproduction process of viruses: they cannot reproduce independently and require a host cell to replicate their genetic material and produce new virus particles.
Evaluate the metabolic activity of viruses: they do not undergo metabolism on their own and rely entirely on the host cell's machinery for energy and synthesis of components.
Conclude that viruses do not meet the criteria for living organisms because they lack cellular structure, cannot reproduce independently, and do not undergo metabolism.