Which statement about viruses is true?

• A. They are living organisms
• B. They are composed of proteins only
• C. They are not true living organisms
• D. They can replicate without a host cell

Answer: (C)

Viruses aren’t considered living because they can’t carry out the basic processes that define life on their own. They don’t have metabolism, don’t grow by themselves, and can’t reproduce without a host cell. Their genetic material (DNA or RNA) is enclosed in a protein shell, and some viruses also have a lipid envelope, so they’re more than just proteins, which is why a statement claiming they’re simply living proteins isn’t accurate. Because viral replication depends on the machinery of a host cell, the idea that they can replicate without a host is incorrect.