Why aren't viruses living? Biology Microorganisms Viruses 1 Answer Tarik Apr 17, 2016 It is thought and taught that viruses are according to some abilities living and according to other abilities nonliving. They cannot synthesise their proteins, grow, nor they can do metabolic processes. Answer link Related questions How do viruses relate to the characteristics of life? What are viruses? Why do bacteriophages only infect bacteria? How can prions be killed? How are prions related to proteins? What are some examples of prions? What are some examples of bacteriophages? Why are virus capsids symmetrical? What is the function of the capsid? What are some examples of virions? See all questions in Viruses Impact of this question 1978 views around the world You can reuse this answer Creative Commons License