# Viruses are considered non-living. Describe four features of viruses that distinguish them from living organisms such as bacteria.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 1.2 Variety of living organisms · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Viruses have no cells / are not made of cells
2. Viruses can only reproduce inside host cells / cannot reproduce independently
3. Viruses have a protein coat (surrounding nucleic acid / DNA or RNA)
4. Viruses carry out no metabolic processes / do not respire / do not feed / do not grow independently

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/viruses-are-considered-non-living-describe-four-8b6a1902) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.