Scientists cannot agree on whether viruses are living or not because

Question

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The main reason why scientists cannot agree on whether viruses are living or not is because they can only reproduce within a host cell and not independently. This characteristic is unique to viruses and sets them apart from other living organisms. Although viruses can reproduce and evolve over time, they cannot do so without hijacking the cellular machinery of a host organism. Other traits of living organisms, such as the ability to metabolize energy and maintain homeostasis, are not necessarily present in viruses. Therefore, the reproduction within a host cell is the most distinctive feature that puts viruses in a gray area between living and non-living things.

Scientists Cannot Agree on Whether Viruses Are Living or Not