Are Viruses Alive? & Questions

Open Ended

Before you begin reading, predict the answer to the following question: Are viruses alive?

Multiple Choice

Viruses reproduce by attaching to a host and hijacking the host cell to make more viruses

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Viruses are made of cells

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Viruses are capable of using energy and have their own metabolism

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

How are most viruses destroyed?

• X-rays

• hand sanitizer

• soap and water

• they are never destroyed

Multiple Choice

What evidence would prevent scientists from classifying viruses as living organisms?

• Some viruses use RNA (not DNA) as genetic material.

• Some viruses do not contain any proteins or carbohydrates.

• Viruses reproduce asexually.

• Viruses require a host cell to reproduce.

Open Ended

How do the characteristics of viruses compare to the characteristics of living things?