Question

The virus that causes chicken pox contains DNA. It reproduces inside the cells of living organisms. The virus is not made of cells and does not eat or breathe. Why isn’t the virus considered to be a living thing?

Answer 1

Viruses lack the properties of living things:

1. They have no energy metabolism

2. They do not grow

3. They do not respond to stimuli

4. They do not reproduce independently- they have to replicate by invading living cells.