Is a virus alive?

Discussion in 'Biology & Genetics' started by Vkothii, Mar 15, 2008.

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  1. ElectricFetus Sanity going, going, gone Valued Senior Member

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    There always going to be unanswered questions, the key is stating arguments, not questions.
     
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  3. Vkothii Banned Banned

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    Well, as far as some list, here's what the "threaded forum system" has come up with (so far, ...yawn):

    Viral genomes are something that (is or can):
    - survive quite a large amount of time in inert form
    - are organized as they are because they've evolved
    - carry key proteins within themselves
    - persist, reproduce, and possess functional structures. (Which persist due to their ability to co-opt a host cell.)
    - contain their own transcriptases which are notoriously prone to error. (This gives them a mutability advantage.)
    - made of a multitude of complex interacting moving parts
    - evolve much the same way everything else does

    "... the set of all things that are capable of persistence, via metabolism and reproduction of material that is required to maintain their structure, and also represent that structure (again as structure). The structures are actively maintained and this requires energy.

    The chemicals involved are from a specific set - amino acids for example, but also a host of organic chemicals and organometallic compounds. Lipids, amphoteric compounds, variously polar organic chemicals; it's a large list, but not an open one.

    The structures are functional. A characteristic of living organisms is that they separate energy-carrying substances and electric charge - compartmentalisation is important, and separation involves membranes, which are porous.

    Some of the openings function as active channels, that pump ions against a gradient, using stored energy.

    This is possible (the active creation of an energy potential) because of the structures and the way they function and are under the control of the cell. Regulatory mechanisms are important. "Lifeforms" regulate the flow of free energy in the environment."
    Viral "lifeforms" don't respire, or regulate energy, they harness, or use it by presenting their genome to a metabolising cell,

    "...enzymes function because of their physical structure.
    Chemical rules apply and are mandatory based upon the environment in which they take place. The definition of random is important to the question of whether or not viruses are alive." But why?

    Random.
    What do most people understand a random process or "chance" as? Randomness, in its true form is chaos - unpredictability.
    Chance isn't chaotic - it's probabilistic - predictable. It has a certain expectation or uncertainty, right?
     
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  5. invert_nexus Ze do caixao Valued Senior Member

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    Don't forget what we've all learned about feminine hygiene.
     
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  7. Vkothii Banned Banned

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    What have you learned about it, your hygienicness? Do tell.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2008
  8. Idle Mind What the hell, man? Valued Senior Member

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    I'm a little confused now, since your last couple posts, Vkothii. Is this not a discussion about whether or not a virus is alive?
     
  9. Vkothii Banned Banned

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    I'm not surprised about the fact you're confused.
    We're all confused - haven't you noticed?

    So what are you confused about? (I'm confused about what you're confused about)
     
  10. Hercules Rockefeller Beatings will continue until morale improves. Moderator

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    I call shenanigans. :bugeye:

    Are you saying that virus particles do these things outside of cells? If so, please provide references because I think you're talking rubbish.
     
  11. Vkothii Banned Banned

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    Viri don't necessarily have a lipid membrane (but some do). They don't respire (pump ions, or transport charge or pyrophosphate around), in general.
    But the mimivirus family appears to have more to it than most other kinds we know about, and maintains more structure and function than those "ordinary" types.

    I talk rubbish if I feel like talking rubbish, dude.
    Just like you and every other loudmouth.
     
  12. Hipparchia Registered Senior Member

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    Vkothii,
    you failed to answer any of my four questions in a meaningful way.
    You have failed answer anyone's questions in a meaningful way.

    It has become evident that your time-wasting, smug, deliberately provocative, and lacking anything of value by way of contribution to this forum. Since you show no sign of leaving I shall rectify the problem for myself by placing you on ignore.

    Since your sole objective appears to be to elicit just this kind of response from others I do hope you will relish my own reaction and perhaps share it with the other kindergarten children.
     
  13. Vkothii Banned Banned

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    Have fun at kindy!

    Maybe next time you encounter a smug, deliberately provocative dude like me, you'll come up with a more meaningful way to pose a question?
     
  14. ElectricFetus Sanity going, going, gone Valued Senior Member

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    For some reason when I think of the word smug, I think of a man who curls over and shoves his face into his own butt and then inhales any gaseous anal emission, savoring the flavor of how delusionally great he thinks he is.

    Don't worry I like you, I won't put you on ignore, no matter how much you ignore me, so when ever you want to talk about your self-confidence problem I'm open.

    I think this thread is not alive, never was.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2008
  15. S.A.M. uniquely dreadful Valued Senior Member

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    Looks like we've reached the end of useful discussion here.

    Thread closed.
     
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