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 cell's 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. To solve this, we need to understand the characteristics of living organisms and how they apply to viruses and bacteria.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Living organisms are characterized by their ability to reproduce, grow, respond to their environment, and maintain homeostasis. <br /><br />## Step 3<br />Viruses are unique in that they cannot reproduce on their own. They must infect a host cell and use the host's cellular machinery to replicate. This is a key characteristic of nonliving entities.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Bacteria, on the other hand, are living organisms. They can reproduce on their own, grow, respond to their environment, and maintain homeostasis.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Looking at the options, option C states that "Viruses must take over a host cell to reproduce, while bacteria are able to reproduce on their own." This statement accurately reflects the characteristics of viruses and bacteria, supporting the student's argument.