Discussion 2: The Definition of Life

For this assignment you will form a scientifically supported conclusion as to whether or not viruses should be classified as living organisms. The objectives for this assignment align with module objectives for the application of the definition of life to the study of cells and to reinforce concepts in the structure and function of DNA and with Course Objective I – Describe Science as inquiry based on the scientific method of investigation and learning; and Course Objective III – Compare and contrast the unifying concepts and processes in life science from the simplest to the most advanced levels of organization and how these affect life on earth.

Your post should be 500 words long. The approximate time required to complete this assignment is two hours.

Introduction:

We have learned that a single cell demonstrates all of the required characteristics of life and are therefore the are simplest living things. As you read the two opposing articles below regarding the classification of viruses as living or nonliving, look to compare and contrast the two views based on what we have learned about the defining characteristics of all living things.

Your post should follow the Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis format outlined below.

We have learned that a single cell demonstrates all of the required characteristics of life and are therefore the are simplest living things. As you read the two opposing articles below regarding the classification of viruses as living or nonliving, look to compare and contrast the two views based on what we have learned about the defining characteristics of all living things.

(Use your XID and DOB (mmddyy) to sign into the LSSC Library’s EBSCO database)

Moreira, D., & López-García, P. (2009). Ten reasons to exclude viruses from the tree of life. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 7(4), 306-311. doi:10.1038/nrmicro2108 (Links to an external site.) download

Hegde, N. R., Maddur, M. S., Kaveri, S. V., & Bayry, J. (2009). Reasons to include viruses in the tree of life. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 7(8), 615. doi:10.1038/nrmicro2108-c1 (Links to an external site.) download

Prompt: “The study of viruses demonstrates scientific method in action as biologists debate about whether viruses should be included in the tree of life or not.”

1. Thesis:

• Here you propose your thoughts and ideas about the prompt and provide support with examples and assumptions from the sources.
• Pick a side as to whether you believe viruses should be included in the tree of life or not based on the articles and what we’ve discussed in class.

2. Antithesis:

• Here you acknowledge the other side of the issue and explain the reasonings of the other side. Provide support with examples and assumptions from the sources.

3. Synthesis:

• Here you try to bring the two sides together by proposing solutions or by discussing future implications.