Which characteristic of viruses prevents them from being used as evidence to support cell theory?

• A. Viruses contain both DNA and RNA in the same particle.
• B. Viruses lack cellular structure, such as a plasma membrane and cytoplasm.
• C. Viruses reproduce by binary fission.
• D. Viruses are capable of independent metabolism.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the cell theory: it states that all living organisms are composed of cells, and that cells are the basic unit of life.
2. Identify the key characteristics of viruses: they are acellular (lack cellular structure), do not have a plasma membrane or cytoplasm, and cannot carry out independent metabolism.
3. Compare these viral characteristics to the requirements of cell theory, noting that viruses do not meet the criteria of being composed of cells.
4. Recognize that because viruses lack cellular structure, they cannot be used as evidence to support cell theory, which is based on the properties of cells.
5. Evaluate the other options and see why they are incorrect: viruses do not contain both DNA and RNA simultaneously, do not reproduce by binary fission, and are not capable of independent metabolism.