Viruses are considered living organisms because__________?

Correct answer: D. They contain DNA and can be reproduced

  • A. They can be crystallized
  • B. They occur in plants and animals
  • C. They are microscopic
  • D. They contain DNA and can be reproduced

Explanation

Viruses contain genetic material, either DNA or RNA, and can make new virus particles inside a suitable living host cell. Crystallization, microscopic size, and occurrence in plants and animals do not prove that something is living. Students most often choose option a because they confuse the ability to crystallize with a characteristic of life, although crystallization is evidence of viruses' non-cellular nature.

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