• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Science Facts
  • Science Questions
  • About
    • Emma Vanstone
    • About Science Sparks
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
    • STEM Challenges
    • FREE STEM Challenge Templates
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
  • FREE Science Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
  • Science Resources for Home and School

×
Home » Science Questions » Are viruses alive?

Are viruses alive?

Modified: Jul 18, 2022 · Published: Feb 7, 2022 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Are viruses alive is a tricky question that has caused a some debate over the years.

The general view is that viruses are not alive. They don’t respire, convert nutrients into energy or excrete waste products like organisms we class as being alive do. Viruses can’t even reproduce without taking over another living cell. Once a virus has infected a host cell, it takes over the machinery of the cell to create more virus!

If we compare viruses to a bacteria, bacteria can reproduce independently outside a host, but viruses cannot survive without a host, and usually can’t last long on a surface.

4 reasons a virus is not alive

  • Viruses don’t have cells like other organisms. They have a very basic structure of RNA or RNA ( genetic material ) protected by a simple protein coat.
  • Viruses cannot reproduce without a host cell.
  • They don’t produce their own energy.
  • Viruses don’t respond to their environment like other organisms.

However, viruses can replicate ( inside a host cell ) and do evolve, so what do you think? Is a virus both living and non-living? The debate is open…

Coronavirus 3D image

Last Updated on July 18, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

More Science Questions

  • Why Do Crisp Packets Puff Up at High Altitude? The Science Explained
  • How hot is the Sun?
  • The Science Behind 10 Everyday Phenomena
  • Einstein rings
    What are Einstein Rings?

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Imagine a world where science education is accessible to everyone and is all about hands-on, exciting discoveries. That’s the world I want to create.

More about me

Around the World in 50 Experiments

50 experiments about countries of the world

Footer

↑ back to top

Science Sparks - FREE science experiments for kids

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Services
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Science Sparks - Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd