Viruses are alive?
 

I took Biology in college and this idea that viruses being alive was considered a big no no (that is if you wanted to pass any exam!)! This is because it is not supposed to have DNA, but instead uses its RNA to reprogram a host cells DNA to replicate itself. Interesting.

-S

PS. I should point out - the evidence of illness as said below is one virus infecting another virus. Try and put that one together! How is this possible too when you are only working with RNA?

http://www.nature.com/news/2008/0808...l/454677a.html

Thanks for posrting that! I find genetics and molecular biology fascinating.
I was alredy of the opinion that viruses were alive, however. A considerable part of our DNA is made of of viruses that managed to infiltrate the human genome, or at least, that's what Ridley says.

Ahhh! Now I get it. The larger virus has to infect a cell, in which the smaller virus now infects the larger one after it has set up shop. Well now it is not so much a mystery to me.

-S

After examining the above more closely, I still think that viruses are not alive.

To be alive, a cell must be able to reproduce on its own. Viruses do not have this capability.

By the way, I think it is our human body that was more the parasite in this case. We have taken over other organisms that make us more efficient in the processing of ATP. That is my take.

-S

If viruses are alive, then prions have a case for life too.

Personally I don't see the need to make a distinction. Things are what they are;
no need to pigeon hole them.

Interesting points. I can't really really defend saying viruses are alive, but I do anyway.
Ridley posits that the "viral DNA" that the human body contains is just junk DNA. I'm not a biology genius or anything so I can't support the argument myself.

In light of my not being any kind of expert on biology, I was similarly fascinated tby the idea that humans are nothing more than survival mechanisms of DNA. It seems kind of apparent (in one form or the other) in hindsight, but its a scary thought. Almost makes us like robots or something. Ever done something stupid to impress a girl? Ever struggled morally with doing something that is not inclined to your own benefit? Could that be the work of microscopic tyrants whose only interest is to make sure that you make copies of them?

Intersting, if a little scary.
Thoughts?


Edit- @Letum- Well, I see your point there. I guess the most important thing is knowing how they function. Nonetheless, human nature is to classify everything to some degree or another. Yay stereotypes.

Are viruses alive?
Of course they are! Some have already become presidents, prime ministers, Hollywood producers, IRS agents, w"holy" warriors, bank presidents, union leaders, good cops, bad cops, post-Mao maoists, pre-Mao maoists.............. and I have strong suspicions about my wife too!:o

Not yet my friend, not yet. With the invention of cyborgs, then yes, you could truely make these statements! :D

-S

Ok!
But then what's wrong with my wife??:hmm: :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:

Someone is simply contolling it. Just wait till they go further than that and manipulate it! :D

-S