Viruses

Viruses demonstrate properties of life and properties of non-life, which makes them difficult to categorize as living or nonliving. However, they fall into both categories that ultimately puts them in a category of their own. Living properties of viruses include having genetic material (DNA, RNA), ability to reproduce with a host cell, and being able to evolve through mutations. On the other hand, viruses belong in the nonliving group because they do not have a metabolism or organelles, cannot maintain homeostasis, and do not grow and develop, which all living cells can accomplish. The most important aspect of viruses is that they are not able to multiply without host cells. These cells are crucial for viruses because they reproduce by attaching themselves to a specific host cell and injects its genetic material into it. Soon after, the host cell lyses and the replicated viruses are released to proceed the same cycle, resulting in greater viral genetic material in its environment.