Are Viruses living or non-living
Scientist still have not been able to find out. Let's help them :)
Yes
Side Score: 4
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No
Side Score: 5
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I would say that viruses are a living organism. They feed and reproduce just like any other type of living organism. Just because they are tiny doesn't mean they aren't alive. You could also ask if atoms are living or nonliving and I am sure most people will say they are non-living because they are just particles and they don't feed of anything and they don't reproduce but rather they react to other types of atoms. Side: Yes
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2
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7 characteristics of life: 1) Composed of cells: viruses are not cells. They are just DNA or RNA surrounded by a coating of proteins and sometimes a membrane. 2) Living things have different levels of organization: viruses have DNA/RNA, a protein shell, and sometimes a membrane. 3) Living things use energy: no. Viruses let other organisms transport them and when they enter a cell, their DNA or RNA inserts itself into the cell's DNA without using energy. 4) Living things respond to their environment: viruses don't do this. Like I said in number 3, they let other organisms transport them and then they naturally let their DNA or RNA infect another cell. 5) Living things grow: viruses stay the same for their whole existence. 6) Living things reproduce: this is debatable. Viruses infect a cell and force that cell to create copies of them. 7) Individuals adapt to their environment: yes, viruses evolve. Side: No
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