Biology Question:

Answer #1Viruses are both living as well as non-living. They have reservoirs of genes. A single nucleotide is a unit of gene. Viral genes make use of host raw material (non-living elements/organic moieties/ water etc.,) including elements to synthesize organic molecules or macromolecules. Subsequently, viruses replicate themselves thereby reproduce within the living cells. On crystallization, they become non-living and can stay in this state for years until they enter again into a living host to multiply. Certain plant viruses are transmitted to the progeny through seeds. Viruses evolve as any other living being. Therefore, now virus names are written in italics like binomial/trinomial names similar to scientific name of any other living organism i.e. Tobacco mosaic virus (read as italic).

Answer #2All living entities on this earth (including viruses) are part of Biosphere. Biosphere consists of genes that constitute the Genosphere. Viral genes put together constitute Virosphere. Cancer is also caused by genes, which lie within an organism. Certain cancers are caused by viruses and others by genes, which reside in our body. These are called as virogenes or cancer genes. These can be inherited to the offspring. Thus, living organisms (Biosphere) are a reservoir of virogenes. No wonder there can be any life without water. Life is only on this planet earth. To discovering life in Universe, we first try to find water. Earth is a reservoir of living as well as nonliving including water!