Eli5: what exactly is a virus and are viruses alive?

Question

Eli5: what exactly is a virus and are viruses alive?

In: 130

Answer 1

Viruses have RNA which is basically half DNA. They replicate by inserting their RNA into other beings which then replicate itself and the process repeats.

In the sense that it moves, replicates, and can be killed, it is a living thing and considered the most basic class of living thing AFAIK.