Final answer:
Cells are living organisms, viruses are not. Cells can carry out life functions, viruses cannot.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary difference between cells and viruses is that cells are living organisms, while viruses are not considered to be alive. Cells are the basic building blocks of life, they have a defined structure and are capable of carrying out various life functions such as growth, reproduction, and responding to stimuli. In contrast, viruses are non-living infectious agents that cannot carry out life functions on their own. They are composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) encased in a protein coat and require a host cell to replicate.
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