why are virus an exception to cell theory ?
Answers
There are three basic “rules” that tend to be universally accepted as parts to the cell theory. These “rules” are identified below:
Cells are the basic fundamental unit of structure, function, and organization in all living things.
New cells are formed and come from other cells. (In other words, cells produce cells.)
All living things are made of cells.
There are some exceptions to the cell theory. Each exception violates rule number 2 of the basic cell theory that is explained above. Three exceptions are identified below.
There is a debate as to whether or not viruses should be considered to be alive. The debate results from the fact that viruses cannot reproduce on their own. They must invade a host cell and utilize the host’s genetic material in order to reproduce.
The first cell did not come from another cell.
Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own genetic material and can reproduce independently from the cell in which they reside.
Viruses don't exist as cells and are not made up of cells which goes against rule #3. Rule #1 cell theory states that cells are the basic structure of every living thing. However, viruses are alive, in that they have DNA and can infect other living things, but they have to use a hosts cells to replicate. Viruses exist in virions which is a DNA strand enclosed in a protective cost of protein called a capsid.
Viruses do not not have, organelles, or cytoplasm like cells do, and so they have no way to monitor or create change in their internal environment.
Virus are exception to cell theory because it is said that all living beings are made up of cells. But a virus is not made up of cells and we all know that organisms that are made up of cells are living. There is still debate going on the topic that whether a virus is a living being or not because they do not show any movement until they affect an organism's cells.