Which one of the following statements regarding viruses is not true?

Viruses are unique biological entities that lack the cellular machinery required for independent metabolic processes. They do not possess ribosomes, cannot generate ATP, and are unable to synthesize proteins or organic compounds independently [1]. While green plants and certain bacteria can produce food through photosynthesis using chlorophyll and radiant energy, viruses are not producers and lack such capabilities [4]. Instead, viruses are classified as obligate intracellular parasites because they must enter a living host cell to replicate and survive [1]. Outside of a host cell, viruses do not exhibit molecular movement or metabolic activity, making them similar to inert chemical substances or non-living matter [2]. They rely entirely on the host's genetic machinery to manufacture viral proteins and copy their genomes. Therefore, the statement that viruses can synthesize food through photosynthesis is incorrect.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/the-origins-of-viruses-14398218/
2. [4] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Our Environment > Activity 13.1 > p. 209
3. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Life Processes > p. 79