Virions:Dead or Alive?

[powerj at cwu.edu]

In regards to Viable=Life. Is not a one of the defining criteria for life
metabolism? A virus particle utilizes the energy production facilities of the
host cell to produce vP's as it does not have its own. Also is'nt the ability to replicate also a defining factor ? A VParticle can not self-replicate.
without the host-cells assistence. 
I would like to hear some other views on this as it has always been my understanding that a virus is merely encapsedated NA, period.
Thanks
     

Jeff Power
powerj at cwu.edu