Which of the following accurately summarizes a misconception regarding viruses in the cell theory?

Viruses are not composed of cells; instead, they are made up of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat, and in some cases, an additional lipid envelope. This characteristic is a fundamental distinction that separates viruses from living cellular organisms, which are made up of one or more cells that carry out metabolic processes and maintain homeostasis.

In the context of cell theory, which posits that all living organisms are composed of cells and that cells are the basic units of life, viruses do not fit this framework. They lack the cellular structure and independent metabolic machinery required for the criteria of life as outlined by cell theory. This misconception can lead to confusion about the nature of viruses, as they do require host cells for replication, yet they do not possess the characteristics of being cellular organisms themselves.

While there may be other misconceptions about viruses, such as their ability to evolve or their status as living entities, the fundamental understanding that they are not made of cells is crucial to grasping their nature in biological contexts.