No, because the host cell is generally used to produce more viruses and is then lysed to release them. HIV and other retroviruses use RNA to inject DNA strands into the host cell's nucleus where those new genes instruct the cell to produce more viruses. Even if the host cell splits, the genetic machinery is still there for the virus to reproduce.
Either way the end result is a bunch of new viruses each with their own genetic code that could have mutated.
AFAIK whether or not viruses are living organisms is the equivalent of programming language religions in biology and is quite controversial. I personally look at viruses as living organisms and consider "viral reproduction" amongst sexual and asexual reproduction.
Either way the end result is a bunch of new viruses each with their own genetic code that could have mutated.
AFAIK whether or not viruses are living organisms is the equivalent of programming language religions in biology and is quite controversial. I personally look at viruses as living organisms and consider "viral reproduction" amongst sexual and asexual reproduction.