Viruses Vs Cells
Are viruses alive?
Directions: Fill in the T-chart below. On one side list the characteristics of life. On the other, check off
the ones that apply to a virus.
Characteristics of Life
Virus
Directions: Answer the following questions about viruses, viroids, and prions. Refer to your book and
the notes on discovery of life and ecosystem structure for help.
1. Explain why viruses are not considered living things. (How do we know something is living?)
2. Describe the three structures that are characteristic of a virus.
3. Differentiate between reproduction by the lytic and lysogenic cycles.
4. Compare and contrast Viroids and Prions.
Directions: Fill in the Venn diagram below. Provide 3 differences for each ( they go on the top and
bottom) and 3 similarities (these go in the middle).
Virus
CellS