Virus

 # Viruses have all the following except :

A. Definite shape

B. Metabolism

C. Genes

D. Ability to infect host cells

E. Ultramicroscopic size

The correct answer is B. Metabolism.

Viruses are non-living entities and as such do not inherently have their own metabolism. However, within the last decade, it has become clear that viruses dramatically modify cellular metabolism upon entry into a cell.

Viruses consist of nucleic acid (genetic material) surrounded by a capsid (protein coat). Most scientists consider viruses to be nonliving because they can't carry out the most basic processes of life. Viruses can't metabolize (break down) food to release energy (carry out respiration) or grow.