Considering the new definition of life, all but one piece evidence supports the fact that a virus must be referred to as an orga
nism. That is: A) Viruses contain nucleic acids.
B) Viruses are capable of replication.
C) Viruses have a simple cellular structure.
D) Viruses have an evolutionary history and that implies lineage.
The new definition makes no reference to cells or organelles. Instead it uses the term "unit". A molecule could be a unit. A crystal could be a unit. A cell could be a unit.
