A noncellular particle containing hereditary material is called a virus.

Here's why:

* Noncellular: Viruses lack the typical structures of cells, such as a cell membrane, cytoplasm, or organelles.

* Hereditary material: Viruses contain genetic material, either DNA or RNA, which carries the instructions for their replication.

While viruses can't replicate on their own, they use the machinery of host cells to reproduce, making them obligate intracellular parasites.