Why do viruses depend on host cells?

1 Answer
Humaam H.
Jun 15, 2016

Viruses depend on host cells because they are non-living and require the host in order to reproduce.

Explanation:

Viruses are classified as non-living because they do not meet all the criteria put in place that determines living or non-living. One such example is the fact that they cannot reproduce on their own. They require a host cell in which they inject their genetic material into. This sabotages the host cell and allows for the viruses to reproduce.

A visual example is shown here:

archivedemo.cnx.org

and here:

lazyscientist.org

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