Definition of Life
From WikiLectures
The outlook on life is still an unresolved question, that has been developing for many years. However, a general definition is generally accepted, which can be simplified into a few points. We call systems that:
- are limited in time and space,
- open – they exchange energy, substances and information with the environment,
- material and of a uniform chemical basis – primarily carbon compounds (nucleic acids and proteins),
- high organization – low entropy,
- the ability to exist independently,
- separate maintenance,
- separate reproductions,
- development.
The basic unit of all living systems is the cell.
For more information see Cell theory.It is a question of whether to consider rickettsia and chlamydia as living or non-living. They are not capable of independent life, but have preserved some metabolic pathways.
Viruses, virions, prions and transposons are considered as non-living .
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Resources[edit | edit source]
- NEČAS, Oldřich. Obecná biologie pro lékařské fakulty. 3. edition. Jinočany : H+H, 2000. ISBN 80-86022-46-3.
