Biosphere Contents

2. Diversity

Viruses have no separate kingdom

Viruses are incapable of independent life, and are little more than 'rogue' lengths of DNA and RNA that have escaped from living cells and now function semi-independently. They are minute lengths of DNA and RNA surrounded by protective proteins. (1 particle = 25 nanometres.) The origin of viruses remains unclear and they may have broken free from living things on numerous occasions through multiple processes, or some viruses may have even existed before the evolution of cellular life.

Electron micrograph of a virus

Why do viruses not have a separate kingdom?