Are Viruses Including Living Things?

KOMPAS.com – Viruses can be said to be living things because have the ability to reproduce.

However, viruses are also called non-living because they can be crystallized.

In fact, even scientists are not sure whether the virus is living or non -living beings.

In general, scientists use a list of criteria to determine whether something deserves to be classified as a living thing.

Do viruses have the characteristics of living things?

Reported from Arizona State University, Here are some of the characteristics of living beings:

Also read: Corona Virus Found Able to Hide in the Testicles, How come? Study Explain

1. Living things have cells

The first characteristic of living things is to have cells, while viruses do not have cells.

Viruses have a protein coat that protects their genetic material, either DNA or RNA.

However, viruses do not have a cell membrane or cell organelles, such as ribosomes or mitochondria.

2. Living things reproduce

In general, cells reproduce by making copies of their DNA.

Unlike cells, viruses do not have the tools to make copies of DNA.

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