Which term denotes not living organisms consisting of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat?

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Multiple Choice

Which term denotes not living organisms consisting of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat?

Explanation:
Viruses are not living organisms because they lack cellular structure and metabolism on their own. They are simply genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid, and often wrapped in a lipid envelope. They can only reproduce by hijacking a host cell’s machinery, which is why they’re described as infectious particles rather than true cells. In contrast, bacteria are living, with their own cellular organization; mammalian cells are living cells; and a Phase 2 Clinical Trial is a stage of research, not a biological entity. So the term that fits the description is viruses.

Viruses are not living organisms because they lack cellular structure and metabolism on their own. They are simply genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid, and often wrapped in a lipid envelope. They can only reproduce by hijacking a host cell’s machinery, which is why they’re described as infectious particles rather than true cells. In contrast, bacteria are living, with their own cellular organization; mammalian cells are living cells; and a Phase 2 Clinical Trial is a stage of research, not a biological entity. So the term that fits the description is viruses.

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