BIOL 100 Ayala

By: Karen Ayala

A virus is not considered to be a living organism while bacteria is known to be a living organism, but can often be confused.

virus vs Bacteria

SHould Viruses Be Classified as living?

Diagram showing different kinds of viruses by Erzebet S. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://fineartamerica.com/featured/diagram-showing-different-kinds-of-viruses-erzebet-s.html

Why historically have virusus been catagorized as non-living?

A virus is catagorized as non-living because it does not need to consume energy to survive, and it is not able to regulate its own temperature. Therefore, showing it cannot be classifed as a living organism. Certain characteristics are needed in order to be classified as a living organism.

Living Organisms: Definition, Details ,Characteristics Etc - Eschool. (2018, February 13). Retrieved from http://eschool.iaspaper.net/living-organisms/ (image citation)

What is Life?

Life is when any type of matter shows characteristics of being alive. The properties of life are: - are made up of cells - respond to stimuli - turn food into energy - reproduce - grow and develope - maintain homeostasis

Structure of Viruses: Overview, Types, Size, Structure. (2022, May 13). Retrieved from https://www.embibe.com/exams/structure-of-viruses/ (image citation)

How does the structure of a virus differ from the structure of prokayotypes?

A virus is a non-living organism which is smaller than a prokaryotic cell. A virus also does not have any cells, which makes it differ from a prokaryotic cell. A prokaryotic cells is classified as a living irganism which sets it apart from a virus.

Viruses: What They are, How They Spread, and How We Fight Them. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/viruses-what-they-are-how-they-spread-and-how-we-fight-them (image citation)

What Are Viruses?

A virus is a microscopic organism which muliply within cells and turn into disease. They are also classified as non-living because they do not consume energy or are able to regulate their temperature. Characteristics of a virus are: Non-living Either DNA or RNA Surrounded by a protein coat

How does this info provide evidence for/against the argument that vrisues should be classified as living?

This information provides evidence against the argument that a virus should be classified as living because in order for a virus to be classified as living it needs to meet the criteria. A virus does not meet the living organisim critera therefore it cannot be classified as living.

As compared to a cell, how does a virus utilize and get energy?

A virus does not produce its own energy because they take it from the cells they infect. A virus only needs to use energy when they make copies of themselves, and do not need energy when outside of the cell.

In the Classroom: The Cellular Respiration Story by Carley Thomas. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://veritaspress.com/blog/in-the-classroom-the-cellular-respiration-story-by-carly-thomas (image citation)

How does a cell get energy?

Cells obtain energy through a process called cellular respiration. This process occurs in all living this and allows foods to be broken down to produce ATP. During this process cellular respiration extracts energy from glucose and food molecules. This energy is then stored in the form of ATP ( adenosine triphosephate).

How does this info provide evidence for or against the argument that viruses should be classified as living?

A virus does not produce its own energy meaning it does not fit within the living organisms criteria. For a virus to reproduce it uses the energy stolen from other cells; it cannot reproduce on its own.

A virus mutates the same way a cell does. Because of the difference when the DNA is copied it lead to mutations in the virus much like the mutations in cells.

How and why does a cell mutate? And how/why does a virus mutate?

Cells mutate as a result of erros occuring during cell divisionor viral infections could be the cause of mutations within a cell. Mostly cells mutate being DNA fails to copy itself accuratly and one little difference makes a mutation. The cell then beings to mutate to adapt and therefore lead to evolution.

How does this information provide evidence against the argument that viruses should be classified as living?

The information shows that cells and virsues mutate in the same way because of difference in DNA when it is copied. Those differences in DNA lead to mutations and evolution. Although both mutate in the same way this does not show or mean that a virus is classified as living. A virus does not meet the standards to be classified as a living organism.

Why are some people resistant/naturally immune to diseases and viruses?

There is no clear answer as to why some people are more resitant/naturally immune to diseases/viruses, but our bodies tend to have natural immunity which our bodies create when the body is infected with a germ/virus. Then it makes it harder to become infected or affected by that virus/germ later in life.

Universal flu vaccine designed by scientists. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-09-universal-flu-vaccine-scientists.html (image citation)

How do vaccines provide immunity to viruses?

Vaccinces work by immitating the virus which lead to your body creating natural immunity to the specific virus. This immitation virus helps the immune system learn how to fight off those specific infections. When a vaccine is given a person sometimes experiences symptoms of the virus but go away once the immune system fights the virus.

This information provides evidence against the agrument that viruses should be classified as living because a virus needs a host in order to reproduce and spread. This does not fit the description of living organisms. The description and characteristics can be found in slide 2.

How does this information provide evidence against the argument that viruses should be classified as living?

Chemistry Behind the COVID -19 Vaccine. (2021, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.chemistry-neuroscienceblog.com/post/chemistry-behind-the-covid-19-vaccine (image citation)

The main purpose of DNA and RNA in cells is for storage and the reading of genetic information. DNA (blueprint for all gentic materials in an organism) is responsible for the transmission of genetic information as well as storage. RNA is responsible for converting the information within DNA to a format which is then used to build proteins and is also responsible for the transmission to ribosomal protein factories.

What is the Purpose of DNA & RNA in a cell? What is the Purpose of DNA or RNA in a Virus?

Chemistry Behind the COVID -19 Vaccine. (2021, March 20). Retrieved from https://www.chemistry-neuroscienceblog.com/post/chemistry-behind-the-covid-19-vaccine (image citation)

A virus can either consist of either DNA or RNA which is coated by a protein. A virus puts its genetic information either DNA or RNA into a host cell, which then takes total control of its functions. This process allows for the virus to be able to make copies of its DNA or RNA and make viral proteins inside the host cell.

What is the Purpose of DNA & RNA in a cell? What is the Purpose of DNA or RNA in a Virus? Cont.

This information proves that a virus cannot be classified as living because unlike a cell it needs a host in order to inject its DNA or RNA to take control and make copies. A living cell does not need a host and can do this process on its own without help. This shows that a virus cannot be classified as living.

How does this information provide evidence for or against the argument that viruses should be classified as living?

posts by limitlesslife, V. A. (2020, December 27). Evolution & Effect of a Coronavirus. Retrieved from https://limitlesslife.wordpress.com/2020/12/27/evolution-effect-of-a-coronavirus/ (image citation)

Yes, a virus is subject to evolution as well as natural selection; a virus tends to evolve quickly. Two separate viruses can infect a cell at the same time and can swap their genetic information to make mixed viruses. This can make them stronger and harder to combat. For example, COVID-19 started as just one strand but then over time multiple strand strands came about and were stronger and more deadly.

Are Viruses Subject to evolution? If so, then how do viruses evolve?

This information could show that a virus is living because it can undergo the process of evolution, but in order for the virus to undergo this process it must first inject/put its genetic material into a host cell at the same time as another virus. This process is not needed for living organims, but is needed and is done by viruses.

How does this information provide evidence for or against the argument that viruses should be classified as living?

Difference between Bacteria and Virus - Laboratoryinfo.com. (2020, April 23). Retrieved from https://laboratoryinfo.com/virus-vs-bacteria/ (image citation)

The main difference I found when doing my research was that a bacterial disease/infection can be treated and killed with antibiotics. On the other hand, viral diseases are caused by viruses and antibiotics are not effective towards these of infections. An antiviral treatment/medicine can prevent the virus from duplicating without damaging the host cell.

What is the difference between viral diseases and bacterial diseases?

This information provides information against the argument because bacteria is a living organism that can provide for itself, unlike a virus. A virus needs a host cell in order to duplicate. The virus does not have all the characteristics of a living organims, so it cannot be classified as one.

How does this information provide evidence for or against the argument that viruses should be classified as living?

A virus con only reproduce if it has a host cell; if it does not then it cannot replicate itself. It also does not regulate its own temperature. The virus gets energy from the host cell it infects, therefore cannot produce its own energy, unless it has a host cell.

A virus should not be considred alive because for an organism to be considered alive it needs to be the certain criteria. This criteria consists of: are made up of cells respond to stimuli reproduce maintainhomeostatsis

How could the continued controversy regarding whether virsues should be considered alive be loved?

Scientists believe a virus should be classified as non-living because it only meets two of the six characteristics/properties of life. An organism must meet at six characteristic of life to be classified as living. If not met, then it cannot be classified as living. A virus simply cannot be classified as living for that reason.

Solutions to eliminate controversy

Citations

COVID Natural Immunity: What You Need to Know. (2022, February 17). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-natural-immunity-what-you-need-to-know C. (2023, March 10). Understanding How Vaccines Work. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/understanding-vacc-work.html Crosta. (2021, June 25). Viruses: What are they, and what do they do? Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158179 Differentiating RNA & DNA Viruses. (2018, March 13). Retrieved from https://sciencing.com/differentiating-rna-dna-viruses-4853.html DNA vs. RNA – 5 Key Differences and Comparison. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.technologynetworks.com/genomics/lists/what-are-the-key-differences-between-dna-and-rna-296719 Evolution of viruses (article) | Khan Academy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/natural-selection/common-ancestry-and-continuing-evolution/a/evolution-of-viruses

Citations

"How do cells obtain energy? " eNotes Editorial, 28 Mar. 2016, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/how-cells-obtain-energy-636308. Accessed 22 Feb. 2023. Infection: Bacterial or viral? (2023, February 4). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/expert-answers/infectious-disease/faq-20058098 Port, J. (2021, October 15). From the vault: Why are viruses considered non-living? Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://cosmosmagazine.com/science/biology/why-are-viruses-considered-to-be-non-living/ Prokaryotic cells (article) | Khan Academy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/structure-of-a-cell/prokaryotic-and-eukaryotic-cells/a/prokaryotic-cells The causes of mutations - Understanding Evolution. (2021, August 24). Retrieved from https://evolution.berkeley.edu/dna-and-mutations/the-causes-of-mutations/

Citations

Wakim. (2018, December 24). 5.9: Cellular Respiration. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Human_Biology/Book%3A_Human_Biology_(Wakim_and_Grewal)/05%3A_Cells/5.09%3A_Cellular_Respiration Wei-Haas. (2019, February 22). Virus facts and information. Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/viruses Why Viruses Mutate, Explained by an Infectious Disease Expert. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/why-viruses-mutate-explained-by-an-infectious-disease-expert

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