Question

why is a virus considered non-living?
a it is not made of cells
b it responds to its environment
c it has complex chemistry
d it can reproduce on its own
e it maintains a stable internal environment

Explanation:

To determine why a virus is non - living, we analyze each option:

• Option a: The cell is the basic unit of life. Viruses lack a cellular structure, which is a key characteristic of non - living entities in the context of biological classification.
• Option b: Responding to the environment is a characteristic of living organisms. Since viruses are non - living, this option is incorrect.
• Option c: Having complex chemistry is not a defining factor for non - living things. Many non - living substances can have complex chemistry, and this is not the reason viruses are non - living.
• Option d: Viruses cannot reproduce on their own. They need a host cell to replicate, so this option is incorrect.
• Option e: Maintaining a stable internal environment (homeostasis) is a property of living organisms. Viruses do not do this, so this option is incorrect.

Answer:

a. It is not made of cells