Hi everyone,
I’m not very knowledgeable about science, so I’m struggling to understand the notion that viruses aren’t “alive”, and the robot analogies people use. I understand that they don’t have some of the characteristics (cells, ability to reproduce), but my mind can’t wrap itself around the notion that they’re like objects. Can you please give some examples that could explain this in a way that is accessible to someone who isn’t very advanced in the subject?
Thanks
EDIT: wow thanks so much guys for so many amazing replies!!!
In: 29
ELIA5: Viruses are considered to not be alive because they can’t duplicate themselves without the help of other organisms, and they don’t make their own energy.
In-depth: The definition of life is fluid so there is no definite distinction between something being alive and not alive. Generally, scientists consider life to have 7 characteristics:
1. Order and structure
2. Reproduction
3. Growth and development
4. Energy utilization
5. Maintenance of homeostasis
6. Response to external stimuli
7. Adaptation to external pressures
Viruses definitely are ordered, respond to stimuli, and adapt to external pressures. As viruses require a host to reproduce, utilize energy, and grow/mature, they are not considered to be alive. They also have no innate mechanisms to maintain homeostasis (though their capsid could be considered to maintain a homeostasis). One could counter that obligate intracellular bacteria also require a host to reproduce; however, these bacteria can grow, make and use energy, and maintain homeostasis on their own.
Life is a spectrum; however, our language only allows for the binary “alive” or “not alive” so a line must be drawn for this distinction. Viruses straddle that line which makes them so interesting
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