Human Biology, 14 Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 1-25924-574-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-25924-574-9

Chapter 8 - Section 8.1 - Bacteria and Viruses - Check Your Progress - Page 152: 3

Answer

The inability of viruses to carry on metabolic activity on its own makes it a parasite that always causes diseases.

Work Step by Step

Viruses don't have any cellular structures present in them. They are incapable of producing food and are unable to carry out metabolic activities. Viruses always depend on the host cell for its subsistence. This dependence makes viruses parasites that always cause diseases.
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