A student argues that viruses are nonliving and bacteria are living. Which statement best supports the student's argument? A. Viruses replicate their own genetic material, while bacteria can replicate bacterial and viral genetic information. B. Viruses replicate a host cells genetic material while bacteria can replicate their own genetic material. C. Viruses must take over a host cell to reproduce, while bacteria are able to reproduce on their own. D. Viruses must produce their own ATP to replicate, while bacteria must use viral ATP to replicate.

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the statement that best supports the student's argument that viruses are nonliving and bacteria are living. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />To solve this problem, we need to understand the characteristics of living organisms. Living organisms are capable of reproduction, metabolism, growth, and response to stimuli.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Looking at the options, we can see that option C states that "Viruses must take over a host cell to reproduce, while bacteria are able to reproduce on their own." This statement aligns with the characteristics of living organisms. Bacteria, being living organisms, can reproduce on their own, which is a characteristic of living organisms. On the other hand, viruses cannot reproduce on their own; they need to take over a host cell to reproduce. This is a characteristic of nonliving entities.