Why are viruses considered nonliving but bacteria are considered living Give two reasons?

Viruses are considered nonliving because they cannot carry out metabolic processes or reproduce independently; they require a host cell to replicate. In contrast, bacteria are classified as living organisms because they possess cellular structures, can metabolize nutrients, and reproduce autonomously through binary fission. Additionally, bacteria can carry out essential life functions, such as responding to stimuli and maintaining homeostasis, which viruses cannot do.