1A.4 WORK

What evidence would prevent scientists from classifying viruses as living organisms?

• Some viruses use RNA (not DNA) as genetic material.

• Some viruses do not contain any proteins or carbohydrates.

• Viruses reproduce asexually.

• Viruses require a host cell to reproduce.

Which organism could be considered nonliving because it cannot carry out all the functions of life on its own as described in the cell theory?

• a virus

• a multicellular algae

• a unicellular algae

• a prokaryote

The image shows the microbe that causes influenza and a bulleted list of characteristics of the microbe. Which other characteristic can be included in the bulleted list?

• considered a nonliving particle

• larger than a prokaryotic cell

• reproduces slowly outside the host’s body

• contains mitochondria for energy production

The image shows the structure of a typical virus. On the basis of the structure, which statement justifies that viruses are nonliving?

• Viruses lack cell organelles.

• Viruses lack genetic material.

• Viruses lack structures for movement.

• Viruses lack membranes around their DNA.

A scientist observes that the amount of a viral strain remains constant when stored in a sterile test tube. However, the amount increases exponentially when incubated in a mouse. What can be concluded from the scientist’s findings?

• Viruses are living because they can infect organisms.

• Viruses are living because they have the ability to reproduce.

• Viruses are nonliving because they cannot reproduce on their own.

• Viruses are nonliving because they are inactive in unfavorable conditions.

Which feature of viruses is the most similar to a feature of living things?

• Viruses do not grow or develop.

• Viruses have a way to reproduce new viruses.

• Viruses have a basic structure that is not based on cells.

• Viruses require host cells in order to be active.

A biology class is debating whether or not viruses are living things. Which accurate and logical argument defends the position taken?

• Viruses are living because they maintain homeostasis.

• Viruses are living because they use host cells to make copies of themselves.

• Viruses are not living because they have no cellular organization or metabolic processes.

• Viruses are not living because they do not have any characteristics of living things.

The chart shows information about viruses. Which conclusion can be made about viruses from the chart?

• Viruses are nonliving.

• Viruses lack a nucleus.

• Viruses are small in size.

• Viruses lack genetic material.

The diagram shows the replication of a virus. A student observes the diagram and concludes that viruses are nonliving. Which statement supports the conclusion?

• Viruses do not perform cell division to reproduce like other living organisms.

• Viruses lack genetic material to complete transcription and translation.

• Viruses produce a large number of copies in one cycle of reproduction.

• Viruses reproduce outside of the cell of another living organism.

Which statement most accurately describes a virus?

• A virus is living because it has DNA that stores genetic information.

• A virus is living because it has an envelope that acts like a cell membrane.

• A virus is nonliving because it lacks an organelle that allows movement.

• A virus is nonliving because it lacks an energy-producing cell organelle.