Viruses are simple structures composed of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat. They can only reproduce inside living host cells and rely on them for metabolic functions. Viruses come in many forms but generally have DNA or RNA at their core, surrounded by a protective protein capsid. They range greatly in size and infect a wide variety of organisms through passive dispersal. Viruses exhibit both living and non-living properties and are difficult to classify as they are minimal self-replicating particles that rely entirely on host cells. They can cause significant economic losses by spreading diseases in animals, plants, and humans.