Question Detail
Question
Microbes that lack the cellular components necessary for metabolism or independent reproduction are:
Correct Answer
Option B is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Viruses are acellular infectious agents that lack the cellular machinery for independent metabolism and reproduction. They are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they must infect a host cell to replicate.
Hint
Consider the most basic and non-cellular form of microbial life discussed in microbiology.