Which statement describes viruses?

Viruses are indeed classified as the simplest type of microorganisms, primarily because they consist of a core of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat, and they lack the cellular structures found in more complex organisms. Unlike bacteria and other microorganisms, viruses cannot reproduce on their own; they require the cellular machinery of living hosts to replicate and propagate. This dependence on host cells for reproduction is a defining characteristic of viruses, distinguishing them from other organisms that can carry out life processes independently. Consequently, the answer accurately captures the fundamental nature of viruses and their reproductive methodology.