One of your friends is arguing that viruses are alive. What information would you provide to convince him that viruses can't be
considered alive? 1. Viruses typically have protein coats and no plasma membrane.
2. Viruses are much more closely related to archaeons than bacteria
3. Viruses contain either RNA or DNA but not both
4. Viruses cannot carry out metabolic reactions on their own
Viruses cannot be considered alive as they cannot carry out metabolic reactions on their own. Metabolism signifies the tendency to gather and use energy. The chemical reactions in the cells spontaneously change the molecules into the forms of energy, which can be utilized by the organism.
However, in the case of viruses, they are too small and simple to collect and utilize their own energy. They are completely dependent upon the host cells for energy. The viruses only require energy when they need to make duplicates of themselves, however, they do not require any energy when they are present outside of the cell. Thus, as they cannot carry out metabolic reactions, they are not considered as living.
