Question

Viruses are not considered to be alive. Why not?

Answer 1

Well, actually that is a matter of tiny debate in the scientific community. They move about, will "react" to stimuli, and propagate.

However, the consensus is that they are not living because they lack one of the most important aspects of life. Viruses are not so much living cells as they are packages of DNA or RNA wrapped in a protein shell. They lack the necessary enzymes to reproduce in and of themselves. Instead, they have to rely on host cell enzymes to help assemble more of the virus.

There are scientists that disagree, saying that this is just one form of reproduction that we do not currently recognize as such.

Ultimately, there is a minor debate over whether or not viruses are alive because science as a whole can't agree on what the most basic definition of life should be.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

You nail it right on the point. As other organism like parasites that depend on others to reproduce.

Answer 3

i consider them to be alive as the very fact that they are capable of using other mechanisms when getting into a host goes to show that they should be having that power to utilise living conditions (RNA mechanism) when given..........
also i personally consider that an organism is living when it makes its presence and activity felt by other organisms around!