Which of the following characteristics is NOT typical of viruses?

Viruses possess distinctive features that set them apart from other forms of life, and one such characteristic is that they do not reproduce independently. Instead, they rely entirely on a host cell to replicate and propagate. Upon entering a host cell, viruses hijack the cell's machinery to produce new viral components, which are then assembled into new virus particles. This dependency on a host distinguishes viruses from living organisms, which can reproduce independently.

The other characteristics listed are indeed typical of viruses. They contain either DNA or RNA, which encodes the genetic information necessary for their replication. Their structure includes a protein covering or capsid that protects their genetic material. Additionally, viruses have no cellular structure and cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own, reinforcing the necessity of a host for their life cycle. This interdependence on host cells underscores the unique nature of viruses as biological agents.