Are viruses alive? Over the past century, members of the life science community have shifted their opinions back and forth. Many say no, some say yes. I personally think they should be considered alive because they are composed of protein based vectors encapsulating DNA/RNA. Independent reproductability shouldn't be a criteria for life because a LOT of organisms have symbiotic relationships which they depend on for survival. I also think the lack of metabolism reason is a cop out. When we break down metabolism to its basic components, its just the transfer of electrons, which also occurs in viral protein mechanisms.