Which statement accurately describes viruses?

The statement that viruses invade living cells to reproduce is correct because viruses are unique in their method of replication. Unlike living organisms that can reproduce independently, viruses require a host cell to replicate. They attach themselves to a host cell and inject their genetic material, hijacking the cell's machinery to produce new viral particles. This dependency on a living host for reproduction is a fundamental characteristic of viruses, distinguishing them from other biological entities.

The other statements do not accurately describe viruses. Viruses do not reproduce independently; they must infect a host cell. They are not classified as fungi, which are a separate group of microorganisms that possess distinct features. Furthermore, many viruses are considered pathogenic as they can cause diseases in their hosts, unlike the statement suggesting they are not pathogenic. This highlights the importance of recognizing the role of viruses in health and disease.