16Sep 2015 by Vincent Summers 8 Comments

Are They Alive? DNA, Viruses, Gametes

Biology
[caption id="attachment_7797" align="alignright" width="380"] Varicella (chicken pox) virus. - Image CDC by Palmer and Bartin.[/caption] Some things may be associated with life, but the question remains: are they alive? Without turning this into a deeply scientific or philosophical discussion, an interesting question to ask in the proper context might be: Are they alive? We will consider a few examples of when this question might be appropriate. Is DNA alive? Do viruses live? Are an egg and a sperm alive before conception? Arguing the Case: One The DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule is a complex chemical species that varies considerably, but shares a basic commonality in whichever life form it constitutes a part. Thus the DNA of a frog is similar to the DNA of an ox, is similar to the DNA…
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17Jul 2015 by Vincent Summers No Comments

Human Consumption, Respiration, Elimination

Biology
[caption id="attachment_7434" align="alignright" width="480"] A child engaging in consumption![/caption] Whatever goes up must come down is a simple truth. Perhaps a corollary to that can be written. Whatever goes in must come out. It is surely so for the human organism. Whatever goes in, comes out—one way or another. The human is, essentially, a thermodynamic system. It involves consumption, respiration, and elimination. What Goes In Let’s list everything that goes into a human in any given 24-hour period. Humans take in food, water-containing beverages, and air. We can ignore additional miniscule factors, such as sunshine. The oral cavity, the lungs, and even the skin participate in the input-output processes. Must Come Out - Consumption, Respiration, Elimination Solid waste is excreted via the bowels. Most of that waste-material is not water-soluble.…
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