Living virus?

[Laydeebug0]

Hi--

Actually scientists disagree over whether or not viruses are considered
living--so you're right to question it.

Some scientists consider them living because they can reproduce, but others say
they're nonliving because they can't reproduce without a host.  And they do
have nucleic acids--either DNA or RNA.  They can react to their
environment--think capsids.  

I have to admit, though, thinking of viruses as living organisms is a strange
concept.  The problem of viruses staying in corpses isn't too foreign, though,
think of the influenza epidemic.

-J.A.H.