Question

why are viruses considered to be non - living organisms?
a. viruses are particles composed of a nucleic acid (dna and rna) and a protein coat and need a host cell to reproduce.
b. viruses are particles composed of a cell - wall and reproduce though binary fission.
c. viruses are particles made of many cells and reproduce sexually and asexually.
d. viruses are particles that feed on other individuals and reprodce through spores.

Explanation:

Viruses are not cells (they lack cell - wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, etc.). They are composed of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) and a protein coat. They cannot reproduce on their own; they need a host cell to replicate. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes (not viruses). Viruses are not made of many cells. Spore formation is a method of reproduction in some fungi and plants, not viruses.

Answer:

A. Viruses are particles composed of a nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) and a protein coat and need a host cell to reproduce.