Viruses are considered to be non-living pathogens due to their lack of metabolic processes. Therefore, option (C) is correct.
<h3>What is a virus?</h3>
Viruses are complex assemblages of molecules that include proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates; but, on their own, they are unable to perform any function and must first infect a living cell in order to become active. There would be no possibility of viral reproduction if cells did not exist. Consequently, viruses do not qualify as living beings.
Viruses are not alive because they do not have any of the essential components that are present in living beings. These components include cytoplasm and organelles. They are unable to carry out the duties of the cell such as metabolism and homeostasis.
Learn more about virus, here:
brainly.com/question/1427968
#SPJ1
