Which statement best describes the status of viruses as living organisms?

• A. Viruses are considered non-living because they cannot carry out metabolism or reproduce independently.
• B. Viruses are living because they possess cellular structures like ribosomes and mitochondria.
• C. Viruses are living organisms because they can infect and kill host cells.
• D. Viruses are classified as living because they contain genetic material and can evolve.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the criteria that define living organisms, which typically include the ability to carry out metabolism, reproduce independently, respond to stimuli, and maintain homeostasis.
2. Step 2: Analyze the characteristics of viruses, noting that they contain genetic material (DNA or RNA) and can evolve over time, but lack cellular structures such as ribosomes and mitochondria.
3. Step 3: Recognize that viruses cannot perform metabolic processes on their own and require a host cell to reproduce, meaning they do not reproduce independently.
4. Step 4: Compare the statements given in the problem to these criteria, focusing on whether the statement correctly reflects the inability of viruses to carry out metabolism and reproduce without a host.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement best describing viruses as non-living is the one emphasizing their dependence on host cells for metabolism and reproduction, which aligns with the scientific consensus.