Science Memes

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submitted 2 months ago by fossilesque@mander.xyz to c/science_memes@mander.xyz

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[–] herrcaptain@lemmy.ca 0 points 2 months ago (2 children)

Okay, this got me curious. From the wikipedia article on viruses:

Viruses are considered by some biologists to be a life form, because they carry genetic material, reproduce, and evolve through natural selection, although they lack the key characteristics, such as cell structure, that are generally considered necessary criteria for defining life. Because they possess some but not all such qualities, viruses have been described as "organisms at the edge of life" and as replicators.

[–] Doxatek@mander.xyz 0 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

They're not compromised of cells, can't self regulate, and can't replicate on their own and other organisms have to do that for them. The last point being important to our criteria for living. I was never taught as a biologist by anyone that they were alive

[–] Rubisco@slrpnk.net 1 points 2 months ago

"Obligate intracellular parasite" was drilled and showed up on multiple exams, along with all that you mentioned. I've also heard "escaped cellular machinery."

Absolutely fascinating...if a tad frightening.