In order to see where viruses, viroids and prions fit into the scheme of life, we need to know what life is and what the properties of life are. The capabilities of viruses, viroids and prions and the diseases they cause. Should they be considered 'alive' if they only contain a few of life's properties because their survival depends on other living cells. Life consists of living things and these living things have cells that …showed first 75 words of 819 total…

…showed last 75 words of 819 total…genetics of viruses and bacteria" and "Introduction: Ten themes in the study of life" Biology 6th Ed. Benjamin Cummings. Sydney. Australia. Pages 5, 338-339. Keeton, W and Gould, J. 1967. "Viruses and Monera" biological Science4th Ed. Norton and Company. New York. U.S.A. Pages 1022-1029 Norrby. Prof, E. 1981. "Virology" Biology in Profile. Edited by Campbell, P.N. Pergamon Press. Sydney. Australia. Pages 109-110. Villarreal, L.P. 2004. "Are viruses alive?" Scientific America Vol 291. No 6. pages 77-78,81.