Question

Which of the following statements is NOT correct?

• A. All organisms are composed of one or more cells
• B. Cytotechnologists study cells
• C. New cells arise from existing cells
• D. Viruses display all the properties of life outside of a host cell

Hint:

Viruses are often described as being on the "borderline of life" precisely because they are completely inactive outside a host cell but can replicate and evolve once inside. They lack the cellular machinery for independent life.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the incorrect statement among the given options, which relate to cell theory and the nature of viruses.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each statement:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{1. All organisms are composed of one or more cells: This is a fundamental tenet of the Cell Theory. It is a correct statement. } \\ \bullet & \text{2. Cytotechnologists study cells: Cytotechnology is a field of pathology that involves the microscopic study of cells to detect cancer and other abnormalities. This is a correct statement. } \\ \bullet & \text{3. New cells arise from existing cells: This principle, "Omnis cellula e cellula" (all cells from cells), was proposed by Rudolf Virchow and is another key part of the modern Cell Theory. This is a correct statement. } \\ \bullet & \text{4. Viruses display all the properties of life outside of a host cell: This is an incorrect statement. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites. Outside of a living host cell, they are inert, non-living particles (virions) and cannot replicate, metabolize, or carry out any of the processes associated with life. They only become active and replicate by hijacking the machinery of a host cell. } \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
The statement that is not correct is that viruses display all the properties of life outside of a host cell.