Viruses are alive?

[UnderseaLcpl]

Originally Posted by SUBMAN1

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

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.