Cell principle states that the cell is a fundamental unit of life and has all structural and functional properties of an organism. Also according to this principle cells are made from pre-existing cells and all organisms are made up of cells. Bacteria, algae and fungi obey the cell principle rules whereas viruses are under debate of being living or dead. They have many features of life but according to cell theory, they are not alive. Viruses lack cellular structure (cell wall, cytoplasm, ribosomes etc.) but do have genetic material in the form of RNA and they can only multiply when inside a host cell. Outside a host, they are unable to survive. Since a virus is not a cell, cell principle is not applicable to them.