question archive As we delve into the characteristics of the cell; which now we know is the small unit of life

As we delve into the characteristics of the cell; which now we know is the small unit of life

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As we delve into the characteristics of the cell; which now we know is the small unit of life. You may want to review module #1 to what is considered life. For this discussion post you will be writing at least 250 words considering the following:

  1. Where is the line between alive and not alive?
  2. Viruses are often thought of as a form in between living and nonliving. How would you ultimately decide if they are alive or not?
  3. What traits does an organism NEED to possess to be considered alive? Support your answer with a source.

 

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Living Organisms

Tling and nonliving can be differentiated based on the ability of the object or organism to reproduce, respire and metabolize. Metabolism allows organisms to sustain their biological processes. Metabolic processes allow living organisms to convert molecules into bigger or smaller molecules and generate energy (Mohamed & Bashhar, 2017). Metabolism happens in the various organelles in cells. Therefore, for organisms to be considered alive, they must be able to sustain their internal processes that involve the formation and breakdown of molecules. For instance, living organisms respire using aerobic and anaerobic processes to generate energy and build-up materials.

While viruses are considered to be alive while inside their hosts, they lose their living properties when they are outside their hosts. What makes viruses living organisms is their ability to replicate (Peters, McLaren & Jandri?, 2020). Viruses have several features that are found in living organisms, like genetic materials like RNA or DNA that contain information that is important for their makeup. The ability to replicate is unique to living organisms and therefore makes viruses living organisms. Therefore, viruses are considered alive while in their hosts because they only replicate within hosts and lose the ability when they are outside.

The ability to replicate is one major characteristic of living organisms that is seen in all organisms. Living organisms like bacteria and others replicate and grow to maturity using metabolic processes that allow replicating again (Peters, McLaren & Jandri?, 2020). Replication gives organisms the ability to sustain their species. Metabolic processes that allow organisms to break down or build up components are also important and characteristic of living things.