Question

Why is it that viruses aren't considered living organisms?

Answer 1

they haven't their own DNA, I think thats why

Answer 2

No- they have DNA, but they lack the means to reproduce by themselves.

Answer 3

they use energy

Answer 4

As do living organisms

Answer 5

Living organisims use energy, have DNA, reproduce, and.....i forgot the last one

Answer 6

Living organisms have cells. Is that what you were thinking of?

Answer 7

Viruses, they have genetic material, and they've got protein.
So they are made of organic compounds. They are carbon based.

But they're still non-living, yes.

One reason is that they don't have cells.

When you think of common cells, like animal cells and plant cells, you remember that cells have many parts. Many organelles.

Viruses only have anywhere from two to three basic parts:
genome,
protein coat,
and lipid bi-layer membrane.

Viruses also don't reproduce. They don't reproduce sexually, or asexually.
(They do replicate, but that's really not the same as reproduction.)

They also don't have any way of making their own food (like plants), or taking in food (like animals).

Answer 8

I think the basic criteria for life is the ability to carry on energy making processes (i.e., respiration) without help from other organisms. Viruses cannot do that. They must use the metabolic proteins of the cells they infect to carry on respiration and reproduce themselves. By themselves, they are unable to do this.

Answer 9

many scientist would argue that viruses are a living entity.

if I were you, I'd list the characteristics of "living things," and then check each that applies to the virus