Why is there debate about the viruses being alive or dead?

Viruses are considered to be acellular, meaning they lack a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, which are essential components of cells. Additionally, viruses do not have their own metabolism and cannot reproduce independently. Instead, they rely on the host cell's machinery to replicate.

Given these characteristics, some scientists believe that viruses are not truly living organisms but rather complex, non-cellular entities. Others argue that the ability of viruses to self-assemble, replicate, and affect host cells demonstrates a fundamental life form.

The debate over whether viruses are alive or dead has implications for understanding the nature of life itself and for developing treatments for viral diseases.