If you would, please explain it, but don't make it really confusing, b/c I'm a freshman in high school, and have other homework to do! Thanks!
2007-08-23 13:54:54 · 7 answers · asked by I♥David and Tom 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
It depends on who you ask. This question is highly debateable and is really no right answer. The crux of this questions comes down to how you define something as being "alive" Some people assume "alive" means reproducible and movement from one host to another, in which case then yes, a virus is a living organisms. However, they do not metablolize on their own and require the host cell to reproduction.
I actually had this exact question on my preliminary exam while I was working on my Ph.D. I had to go over the arguments for both sides and pick one side and defend it. There really wasn't a right or wrong answer, I just had to explain my reasoning. I think I ended up writing about 7-8 pages. I don't really remember what I wrote but I am pretty sure I took the side of not living.
Anyway, it's an interesting question
2007-08-24 08:15:18 · answer #1 · answered by alynnemgb 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Viruses do not carry on any of the metabolic processes that define life. And, they do not "reproduce" in the usual sense. A virus is a molecular entity that can cause a living cell to produce multiple replicas of the virus. They can be crystalized and stored in a bottle for years like a chemical, and still remain infective.
2007-08-23 22:52:59 · answer #2 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most scientist consider them non-living. It is not such a simple question though. They have their own evolution and can reproduce. They should probably be categorized as parts of the machinery of the cells the replicates DNA that got out and evolved further to make them what they are today.
2007-08-23 21:01:53 · answer #3 · answered by bravozulu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Viruses are non living organisms when they are in the outsie environement but they are living when they are in the other bodies (such as the humans). Here you can see why you get sick somtimes.......
If you need more explonation about that do some readings from the net.
2007-08-23 22:32:31 · answer #4 · answered by Heba A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
viruses have characteristics of both living n non-living things. however when they enter the body of any living organism they reproduce like living organisms. they look like crystals when they r out of the body of a living organism n also do not reproduce. that is why they r considered as a link between living n non-living things.
2007-08-24 02:07:36 · answer #5 · answered by pinkcap 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As you have probably already gathered, viruses don't fit well into "living" or "non-living". This question is actually sufficiently advanced that it was on my baccalaureate exams for my biology degree.
2007-08-23 23:51:10 · answer #6 · answered by Hoosier Daddy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Viruses are non living due to the fact that they do not use energy. You must use energy in order to be living.
2007-08-23 21:27:42 · answer #7 · answered by Bel H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋