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Viruses are no more "alive" than isolated chromosomes because : -
A
They require both RNA and DNA
B
They both need food molecules
C
They both require oxygen for respiration
D
Both require the environment of a cell to replicate
Detailed Solution
A virus consists of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA, never both) enclosed in a protein coat. It has no metabolic machinery of its own.
Outside a host cell a virus is inert, like a chemical (it can even be crystallised). It can replicate only inside a living host cell, using the host's enzymes, ribosomes and energy.
Similarly, an isolated chromosome cannot replicate on its own; it needs the environment of a living cell.
Viruses do not need food molecules or oxygen for respiration, since they have no metabolism.
So viruses are no more alive than isolated chromosomes because both require the environment of a cell to replicate.
Outside a host cell a virus is inert, like a chemical (it can even be crystallised). It can replicate only inside a living host cell, using the host's enzymes, ribosomes and energy.
Similarly, an isolated chromosome cannot replicate on its own; it needs the environment of a living cell.
Viruses do not need food molecules or oxygen for respiration, since they have no metabolism.
So viruses are no more alive than isolated chromosomes because both require the environment of a cell to replicate.