Is there inherently anything “alive” about a singular cell? I know it fits the criteria for living but is it not just a bunch of complex chemical processes on repeat?
In: 2
Generally, we consider matter to be a form of life when:
* The matter has biological processes (*e.g.*, signaling, threat avoidance, temperature regulation)
* Has the capacity for growth (rather than accretion)
* Reacts to stimuli
* Has a complex metabolism
* Transforms energy (such as through digestion or movement)
* Can reproduce
* Has genes and is capable of evolution
Sometimes these are clear to see and sometimes they are not. Famously, viruses are quite good at reproducing, are capable of evolving, and have genes but they don’t have most of the other characteristics, so we’re not comfortable considering viruses to be “alive.”
Latest Answers