# Explain why viruses are not considered to be living cells, and describe how viruses reproduce inside a host organism.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — Topic 2 Cells, Viruses and Reproduction · Explain · 5 marks

> Viruses infect a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, plants and animals. Scientists debate whether viruses should be classified as living or non-living.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Viruses do not have a cell structure / are not made of cells
2. Viruses cannot carry out life processes independently / cannot respire or grow on their own
3. Viruses inject / insert their genetic material (DNA or RNA) into the host cell
4. The host cell's machinery is used to produce / replicate new virus particles
5. New virus particles are released (and the host cell may be destroyed / burst)

## Key terms

- [virus](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/virus)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-viruses-are-not-considered-7cd81d2c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.