No, the student's claim is not correct. While viruses do contain genetic material and can reproduce, they are considered non-living entities. Viruses lack the components necessary to independently carry out essential life processes, such as obtaining and using energy, responding to their environment, or maintaining homeostasis. Unlike living organisms, viruses are unable to replicate on their own. They require a host cell to infect and utilize its machinery to reproduce. Therefore, viruses are classified as non-living.
