how to define life?

[Kent]

My prefessor gave the class a working definition of what life is. He states that life is a self-reproducing chemical system. I think that definition might perhaps be too limited. What do you think?

[Jay-qu]

How about a mule? they dont reproduce

There are many things that have been considered when defining life, each with examples and counter examples. It is a very tough definition to pin down.

The point of reproduction alone would not define life. Some others I have heard of is: motabolise, evolve, react to stimuli etc.

[ronthepon]

There has been a good deal of discussion on this here. I strongly reccomend that you have a look before you carry on with your discussion on this thread.

The discussion can be found here

[InfiniteNow]

Originally Posted by Jay-qu

How about a mule? they dont reproduce

Ahhh, but the cells which compose that mule do.


Per ron's request, however, please continue in the other thread.


Cheers.

[HydrogenBond]

Life is a phenomena, based on the hydrogen proton, where a range of stable hydrogen proton potential gradients are established to create a self perpetuating system. This is true for both single and multcellular life forms, with multicellular lifeforms having a larger secondary layer of hydrogen protons gradients that interact with the lower level cellular gradients Reproduction is a way for one living hydrogen proton gradient system to create another self perpetuating hydrogen proton gradient system of very similar characteristics.

[arkain101]

Life:

The only thing that appears capable to clarify a point of time in the universe.

[infamous]

How to define life?

The attribute which enables a molecular complex to manipulate it's enviornment to it's determined advantage....................Infy

[Tarantism]

"life" is any moment when a being is able to manipulate or be manipulated but its enviorment.

a "life time" is a series of these moments strung together by memory. as in: a moment of life plus time.

[mir]

Let me remind you about the latest discovery of the "giant viruses" (big as a bacteria). The discovery questions the definition of life all in all: See giantvirus org (cant post url's yet).

[InfiniteNow]

Life = That which is