Is a virus a living thing?

A virus is defined as a microorganism that is partially living and partially dead. It is made alive by the following characteristics: - Its genetic material, known as DNA; - It reproduces when it enters a host cell; - It affects the host's living body by inducing various diseases.

No, since a virus lacks cellular structure and is unable to perform metabolic functions on its own, it is not regarded as a living entity.

The classification of viruses as living or non-living is a matter of scientific debate. Viruses share characteristics with living organisms, such as the ability to evolve and reproduce, but they lack some fundamental traits of life, such as the ability to carry out metabolic processes independently. Therefore, whether viruses are considered living or non-living entities often depends on the criteria used to define life. Some scientists classify viruses as living due to their ability to replicate and evolve, while others consider them non-living because they cannot carry out essential life functions without a host cell.