SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the disease COVID-19, contains an RNA genome surrounded by a protein capsid (coat)

Question

SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the disease COVID-19, contains an RNA genome surrounded by a protein capsid (coat) and a lipid envelope (membrane). Its spike proteins enable it to bind to ACE2 receptors of epithelial cells, allowing it to gain entry. Once inside, the virus hijacks the cellular functions and effectively turns the cell into a virus producing factory, with the synthesis of viral genome and proteins allowing virus particles to assemble and exit the cell. This overall process is representative of what viruses in general accomplish when infecting cells. Based on this information and your understanding of the definition of life, are viruses alive? Please explain, including in your answer specific definitions of what it means to be alive, and addressing whether or not these apply to viruses. Your answer should include approximately 4-5 sentences. Note: this answer is worth 4 points.

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