what characteristics of life do viruses have?describe the ways in which viruses differ from living cells.
Assistance needed.
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Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "virus life" to get these possible sources:
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f05/web1/z1grunau.html
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761575740/Virus_(life_science).html
http://books.google.com/books?id=V4aLSts_JnMC&dq=virus+life&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=saAmSuzROZ_MM-m2zIQF&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=13#PPP1,M1
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Viruses share some characteristics of life, but they also differ in significant ways from living cells. Let's explore the characteristics of life first:
1. Genetic Material: Viruses have genetic material, either DNA or RNA, which carry the instructions for viral replication.
2. Reproduction: Viruses can replicate, but they are not capable of reproducing on their own. They rely on host cells to replicate their genetic material and produce new virus particles.
3. Evolution: Like living organisms, viruses undergo genetic changes over time due to mutation, allowing them to adapt and evolve.
Now let's discuss the ways in which viruses differ from living cells:
1. Cellular Structure: Viruses are acellular, meaning they do not have cells. They consist of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat called a capsid. Some viruses also have an outer envelope derived from the host cell's membrane.
2. Metabolism: Unlike living cells, viruses lack the ability to perform metabolic activities, such as obtaining nutrients, producing energy, or eliminating waste. They only become active and carry out metabolic processes within host cells.
3. Response to stimuli: Viruses lack the ability to respond to environmental stimuli, as they do not have complex internal systems like living cells do.
4. Reproduction and growth: While living cells can grow and divide independently, viruses require host cells to reproduce. They cannot replicate or grow on their own.
5. Homeostasis: Living cells actively maintain internal stability and balance, a characteristic known as homeostasis. Viruses do not possess mechanisms to regulate their internal environment.
6. Independent existence: Viruses cannot exist independently outside of a host cell. They are obligate intracellular parasites and rely on host cells for their survival and replication.
In summary, viruses have genetic material and can replicate, which are characteristic of life. However, they lack cellular structure, metabolism, independent growth and reproduction, response to stimuli, and the ability to maintain homeostasis, which differentiate them from living cells.