[lawpoop]

> viruses are debatable under this definition

I think it's a thin pro-argument. Viruses are completely dependant on the host cell and the host cell's metabolism. The host cell's protein unwraps the jacket, and the host cells' proteins replicate the viral DNA/RNA payload. The virus does not reproduce itself, and it does not metabolize anything. There are no inputs to a virus.

Whereas living cells, give them the proper inputs, and they metabolize energy, catalyze reactions, and create copies of themselves.