Which of the following statements supports the argument that viruses are nonliving?
A) They do not carry out metabolic processes.
B) Their DNA does not encode proteins.
C) They have RNA rather than DNA.
D) They do not evolve.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One of the defining characteristics of living things is that they carry out metabolic processes, such as obtaining energy and using it to carry out chemical reactions. Viruses cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own and require a host cell to do so, supporting the argument that they are nonliving. The other options do not necessarily support the argument that viruses are nonliving.

Which of the Following Statements Supports the Argument That Viruses