Campbell Biology (11th Edition)
Campbell Biology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9780134093413
Author: Lisa A. Urry, Michael L. Cain, Steven A. Wasserman, Peter V. Minorsky, Jane B. Reece
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 19, Problem 19.1CR

Are viruses generally considered living or nonliving? Explain

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To determine:  Whether viruses are considered as living or nonliving organisms.

Introduction: Viruses are small, microscopic organisms that are pathogenic to both prokaryotes (bacteria) and eukaryotes (animals, plants, and humans). They have a diameter ranging from 20nm to 300nm and also exhibit various shapes and structures. Viruses are intracellular parasites that are made of genetic material DNA or RNA. The genetic material is surrounded by a protein coat known as a capsid. A parasite is an organism that lives in a host, gets all the benefits from the host, and causes harm to it.

Explanation of Solution

A living being is made up of cells that exhibit characteristics like growth, movement, and reproduction. A nonliving thing does not show any such characteristics.

Viruses are considered as nonliving for the following reasons:

  • Viruses are parasites that do not have cells or organelles but depend on host organelles for its processes.
  • They cannot grow or develop on their own.
  • They can only reproduce inside a host living cell.
  • They do not respond to any external stimuli.
  • Viruses neither have their own metabolism nor produce energy.
  • Viruses are not killed by antibiotics, unlike bacteria.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Biology You’re going to analyze 5 ul of your PCR product(out of 50 ul) on the gel. How much of 6X DNAloading buffer (dye) are you going to mix with yourPCR product to make final 1X concentration ofloading buffer in the PCR product-loading buffermixture?
Write the assignment on the title "GYMNOSPERMS" focus on the explanation of its important families, characters and reproduction.
Awnser these Discussion Questions Answer these discussion questions and submit them as part of your lab report. Part A: The Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity Graph the volume of oxygen produced against the temperature of the solution. How is the oxygen production in 30 seconds related to the rate of the reaction? At what temperature is the rate of reaction the highest? Lowest? Explain. Why might the enzyme activity decrease at very high temperatures? Why might a high fever be dangerous to humans? What is the optimal temperature for enzymes in the human body? Part B: The Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity Graph the volume of oxygen produced against the pH of the solution. At what pH is the rate of reaction the highest? Lowest? Explain. Why does changing the pH affect the enzyme activity? Research the enzyme catalase. What is its function in the human body? What is the optimal pH for the following enzymes found in the human body? Explain. (catalase, lipase (in your stomach),…
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Science Of Agriculture Biological Approach
Biology
ISBN:9780357229323
Author:Herren
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Surgical Tech For Surgical Tech Pos Care
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337648868
Author:Association
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
Biology
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
What Is A Virus ? ; Author: Peekaboo Kidz;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS7vsBgWszI;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY