Which of the following is NOT a way in which viruses differ from all other living things?

• A. They cannot carry out metabolism independently.
• B. They contain genetic material such as DNA or RNA.
• C. They lack cellular structure.
• D. They require a host cell to reproduce.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the characteristics of viruses compared to living organisms. Viruses are unique because they cannot carry out metabolism independently, lack cellular structure, and require a host cell to reproduce.
2. Step 2: Review the statement 'They contain genetic material such as DNA or RNA.' This is a key feature of viruses, as all viruses contain either DNA or RNA as their genetic material, which is essential for their replication.
3. Step 3: Compare this feature with other living organisms. All living organisms also contain genetic material (DNA or RNA), so this characteristic is not unique to viruses.
4. Step 4: Identify which statements describe ways viruses differ from living things. The inability to metabolize independently, lack of cellular structure, and dependence on a host for reproduction are unique viral traits.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement 'They contain genetic material such as DNA or RNA' is NOT a way viruses differ from all other living things, because this is a shared characteristic.