Which statement best describes the difference between viruses and cells?

The statement highlights a fundamental difference between viruses and cells. Viruses are acellular entities, meaning they are not made up of cells and do not possess the machinery necessary for metabolic processes. They lack the cellular structures that allow for metabolism and energy production. Instead, viruses rely on living host cells to replicate. They inject their genetic material into the host cell and hijack the host's cellular machinery to produce new virus particles. This inability to reproduce independently and lack of metabolic activity are key characteristics that set viruses apart from living cells.

In contrast, cells are considered the basic unit of life and are capable of carrying out metabolic processes on their own. Many types of cells can reproduce independently and sustain biological functions without the necessity of a host. Additionally, the notion that cells are exclusively made of RNA is incorrect, as they typically contain DNA as their genetic material, though certain types of viruses may contain RNA. The idea that viruses can reproduce independently in any environment incorrectly describes their dependence on host cells for replication.