Question

what factor characterizes viruses as nonliving particles rather than cells? viruses - are destroyed by antibiotics. have no metabolism of their own. can survive only in intercellular spaces. take over a host’s body systems.

Explanation:

Living organisms have their own metabolism to carry out life - sustaining processes. Viruses lack their own metabolic machinery and rely on host cells for energy and replication. Antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses. Viruses can infect both intercellular and intracellular spaces. Taking over a host's body systems is a consequence of their lack of metabolism and need for a host, but the fundamental characteristic is the lack of self - metabolism.

Answer:

have no metabolism of their own.