why is it not really correct to call a virus a micro-organism?

Answer 1

Viruses are considered micro-organisms, but here's the thing.

These are the characteristics of living things:
* Reproduce
* Obtain and use energy
* Grow, develop, and die
* Respond to the environment

The difference is that viruses cannot reproduce on their own, because they cannot use their own DNA - they use living cells to make more DNA and build more of themselves.

Thus, viruses are not alive in the scientific sense of the word.

Answer 2

Virus is the latin word for poison so it is of no benefit the host body unlike a microorganism except is rare cases.

A virus is composed of transfer-ribonucleic acid or tRNA. The virus penetrates the cell membrane and makes it's way into the human genome. There it rewrites the cell's DNA by genetic transcription of itself. This changes the function of the cell in the mitosis/reproduction process. Instead of producing itself, it produces the virus cells and as such cytolyses/dies releasing 1000's of viruses. The worst example of a virus is the notorious ebola virus which is capable of liquefying one's organs.

A microorganism possesses a series of genetic information and functions e.g. probiotic, antibiotic etc. as such is classified as an organism. A virus has no real function or purpose in nature only to destroy microorganisms. Some have proposed that viruses are a necessity in nature, a way of maintaining control over population on the planet. Other's say it is faulty DNA that had to cause damage within it's host's body.

Answer 3

A virus cannot replicate itself without help.
The virus replicates by invading a host cell and using the mechanisms that the cell contains. For this reason there is some debate about the status of a virus, is it a living thing or not?
The use of the term organism implies something that can replicate itself, feed and produce energy. A virus cannot do this without invading a host cell.

Answer 4

Because an organism is a living thing. And a virus blurs the distincition b/w living and non-living.

Answer 5

because micro organisms are living and a virus isnt exactly alive. it is on the boundary of life and death. when it gets a host it is alive but when its host is dead it too is dead.
a host is the organism on which a virus feeds.

Answer 6

Viruses can only survive and replicate within the cells of living orgainisms and so are not really considered alive, personally I've always thought this was just semantics but that is the essence of science I suppose.

Answer 7

virus is not alive

Answer 8

Becuase it is not a living cell. this is because it has no nucleus