Question

Why are viruses called obligate intracellular parasites?

Answer 1

They survive only in a living cells.

Explanation:

The viruses are connecting link between living and non-living. They are unable to perform life process outside the living cells. Outside living cells, the viruses behave as simple chemicals. So, they are called as obligate intracellular parasite''. Thank you

Answer 2

Viruses are considered as living or non-living particle. Outside the host they are non-living but inside the host they become alive. They depend on the biosynthetic machinery of the host cell.

Explanation:

Viruses are infectious entities which contains either DNA or RNA . It mainly consists of nucleic acid and proteins . Viruses are acellular . They are non-living without their host but inside the host they become alive. They use the metabolic machinery of the host cell. So they are considered as living or non-living particle. That's why viruses are called as intracellular obligate parasites