Assignment: The Science Of Biology
Living things share 8 characteristics (listed in Chapter 1 of your textbook on page 19). A living thing grows, undergoes metabolism, responds to its environment, reproduces, passes DNA to the next generation, maintains homeostasis, changes over time, and is made up of cells. A non-living thing may seem to do one or more of these things, but to be classified as living; all eight characteristics must be present. Sometimes, you may see something that seems alive but is not. Though you can't see it, you have likely experienced it; one of those things is a virus.
Answer BOTH of the following questions:
1. Using all 8 of the characteristics that define life, indicate which one(s) viruses have and which one(s) they do not, and explain each difference.
2. With these results, present an argument that a virus is a living thing. Then, present the opposite argument that viruses are not alive.
You can fill out a table like this (though this is not required):
Characteristic
Virus
(yes, no, maybe, sort of)
Explanation
Reproduce
Pass along their traits through DNA
Consume energy sources and expel waste products to maintain homeostasis
Respond to their environments
Respond to stimulus
Change over time
Can differ as individuals while still being part of a species
Are made up of cells
Review the following videos to understand what viruses are and how they work:
• Flu Attack! How a Virus Invades Your Body
• What is a Virus? How do Viruses Work?
Reading these discussions may help you to form your arguments on the status of viruses:
• Are Viruses Alive?
• Are Viruses Alive? Although Viruses Challenge Our Concept of What "Living" Means, They Are Vital Members of the Web of Life
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.