Viruses are no more "alive" than isolated chromosomes because

Options

A. both require the environment of a cell to replicate
B. they require both RNA and DNA
C. they both need food molecules
D. they both require oxygen for respiration

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Viruses:**
- Viruses are considered obligate parasites, meaning they cannot reproduce or carry out metabolic processes without a host cell. They require the cellular machinery of a living organism to replicate.

2. **Understanding Isolated Chromosomes:**
- Isolated chromosomes, which are segments of DNA, also cannot replicate on their own. They need the cellular environment and machinery (like enzymes and nucleotides) present in a living cell to undergo processes such as replication.

3. **Comparing Viruses and Isolated Chromosomes:**
- Both viruses and isolated chromosomes share the characteristic of needing a cellular environment for replication. This is a key similarity that supports the assertion that neither can be considered "alive" independently.

4. **Evaluating the Options:**
- The question provides multiple options regarding what makes viruses and isolated chromosomes similar. The correct option states that "both require the environment of a cell to replicate." This accurately reflects the dependency of both entities on a living cell for replication.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, the statement that "viruses are no more 'alive' than isolated chromosomes" is justified because both require a host cell's environment to replicate.

**Final Answer:**
Viruses are no more "alive" than isolated chromosomes because both require the environment of a cell to replicate.

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