MODULE 1 : BIOCHEMISTRY AND THE ORGANIZATION OF CELLS

Name: Brylle Jhon M. Gala

Year & Section: BSF 2 BLOCK 2

LEC ACTIVITY 1
DIRECTIONS: Argue based on an article from Popular Science magazine whether or not you believe a virus
should be classified as living or non-living. Use the article and their notes on the characteristics of life to justify
your stance of the topic.

Question: Should a virus be classified as a living or non-living thing?

Claim: (Write your answers here)

Viruses are non-living organisms because they cannot replicate or reproduce without the help
of other cells or host cells.

Evidences: (Use the characteristics of life to support your claim.)

These viruses did not have the characteristic of life such as nutrition, respiration, excretion,
movement, growth, reproduction, and sensitivity. Viruses cannot survive their cycle without the
help of other living organisms, just like cells. Even viruses are an assembly of molecules,
including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates; they cannot still survive. There is a
misconception about viruses as living organisms. They considered viruses living organisms
because they can replicate. However, viruses could not replicate on their own.

Reasons: (Justify your evidences. Cite concrete examples.)

For instance, the virus inside a person can only survive because of the host cells. And they
cannot replicate without another person who can absorb the virus in the way of coughing or
sneezing. When we say living organisms, they can survive on their own, where they can
multiply, grow, and replicate. Viruses can only replicate in this type, and we can consider a virus
as a living organism, but if we are going to classify viruses with the characteristic of life, viruses
is a non-living organism

EDRAFEL CLAUDEEN M. MANOY, LPT FC7