6. a. Explain why many biologists consider viruses to be non-living.b. Explain why the cell that is invaded by a virus is called a host cell
Question
6.
a. Explain why many biologists consider viruses to be non-living.
b. Explain why the cell that is invaded by a virus is called a host cell.
Solution
a. Many biologists consider viruses to be non-living because they do not possess all the characteristics that define a living organism. For instance, viruses cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own, they do not grow, they do not respond to stimuli, and they cannot reproduce independently. Viruses need a host cell to replicate. They invade the host cell and use its machinery to reproduce. This is unlike living organisms which can reproduce and carry out metabolic processes on their own.
b. The cell that is invaded by a virus is called a host cell because it provides the environment and resources for the virus to replicate. The virus uses the host cell's machinery to reproduce and multiply. In this process, the host cell provides the necessary components for the virus to make copies of itself. Hence, the cell hosting the virus is referred to as the 'host cell'.
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