Question

This is more of a discussion topic:
Do viruses meet the criteria of living things?

Answer 1

Well, most definitions of life include metabolism. Viruses have neither that nor the possibility to replicate on their own. In my opinion, they are just programs, that infiltrate other cells, and not living things. But as you already pointed out, there is no right answer :)

Answer 2

Thanks! I agree a virus just does not seem to have the required level of autonomy to be considered living. I think the ability to process energy is fundamental to life and as you also mentioned the ability to replicate is lacking when it comes to viruses. Any suggestions for why someone might consider them to be living?

Answer 3

I remember to read something about a mimivirus. The size is similiar to those of prokaryonts and they have a very evolved genome including genes for nucleotide and amino acid synthesis.
Then again, there are other definitions of life besides the functional aspects like metabolism, replication, mutation etc. A more philisophical approach would be to classify life as a network of negative and positive feedbacks, this clearly includes viruses.