Consider again the discussion of "properties of life" and describe at least three distinct reasons why viruses are not classified as living organisms.

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The Answer is Answers may vary.The basic unit of life is the cell and all cells come from pre-existing cells.Cells are metabolically active,acquiring,transforming,and using energy.A virus does not qualify as living because it is acellular.Viruses can best be described as nucleic acid surrounded and protected by a protein shell.Cells reproduce either sexually or asexually to form new cells and/or new organisms.Viral components are synthesized during the biosynthesis phase and then assembled in the maturation phase of a virus life cycle.A whole virus does not divide to become new viruses,nor are sex cells produced.Viruses are metabolically inactive unless inside of a host cell.Once inside,nucleic acid replication,transcription and translation may occur,as the host cell's machinery is commandeered by the virus.

Consider Again the Discussion of "Properties of Life" and Describe