1. Metabolism: Cells possess the machinery for carrying out a wide range of metabolic processes. They can generate energy (ATP) through processes like cellular respiration, synthesize complex molecules, and break down waste products. Viruses, on the other hand, lack the necessary enzymes and structures for independent metabolism. They rely entirely on the host cell's metabolic machinery to replicate.
2. Independent Reproduction: Cells are capable of independent reproduction through processes like mitosis or meiosis. This means they can create new cells that are genetically similar to themselves. Viruses, in contrast, can only replicate inside a host cell. They lack the capacity for independent reproduction and rely on the host cell's resources to create new viral particles.
