Question

Which characteristic of viruses prevents them from being used as evidence to support cell theory?

Answer 1

Answer:

Viruses replicate only inside host cells.

Explanation:

Viruses are not used as evidence to support the cell theory because they are not considered a cell and cannot carry out vital life processes without getting into host cells.

According to the cell theory, the cell is the basic unit of life, all living organisms are made up of cells and cells arose from preexisting cells. A virus that is not in a host cell is just a piece of DNA/RNA surrounded by a protein coat and is not capable of carrying out any life process for it to be considered living.

Viruses are only able to reproduce and multiply when they get access to a living host. They use the genetic mechanisms of the host to replicate their DNA/RNA using the lytic or lysogenic cycle. Hence, they are not used to support the cell theory.