Question

Explain why viruses are considered as intermediate between living and non living things

Answer 1

Explanation:

hey mate,

Viruses show both living and non-living charateristics. Living features:

• They are composed of a single strand of genetic information encased within a protein capsule.
• On entering the appropriate host, the virus becomes active and displays properties typified by living organisms, such as reacting to its environment and directing its efforts toward self-replication
• They are thus able to pass on genetic information to future generations.

Non-living features:

• Viruses lack most of the internal structure and machinery which characterize 'life', including the biosynthetic machinery that is necessary for reproduction.
• Without a suitable host cell, the virus is unable to replicate and behaves like a non-living structure. During this time there are no internal biological activities occurring within the virus, and in essence the virus is no more than a static organic particle. In order for a virus to replicate it must infect a suitable host cell.
• They may even be purified and crystallized like chemical substances.
• Hence viruses are said to be intermediate between living and non-living organisms.

hope this would help you!!

#ashlytlipson

Answer 2

Viruses are classified as both living and non-living organisms because they exhibit both living and non-living features. They react like non-living organisms in the open air, but once within the body of a living organism, they take on the characteristics of a living organism and begin reproducing.

Explanation:

• Viruses are on the cusp of living and non-living status because they exhibit both living and non-living properties. They operate like non-living organisms in the open air, but once inside a living organism's body, they take on the characteristics of a living organism and begin reproducing. body of a living organism, they take on the characteristics of a living organism and begin reproducing.
• Under an electron microscope, viruses nearly appear to be a piece of machinery that would be at home in any industrial setting.
• The top component, known as the protein coat, can take a variety of configurations, including icosahedral, helical, prolate, and more. It appears virtually "non-organic" as a result of this.
• Influenza, Ebola, rabies, and smallpox are only a few of the diseases caused by viruses. Despite their ability to kill, these deadly diseases are considered non-living, just like the screen on which you're reading this article.