Is Life Defined by Self-Reproduction? Exploring the Boundaries of Existence

In summary, my professor at UCLA gave the class a working definition of life as a self-reproducing, chemical system. Is there problems with this definition? Well, given the definition only to work with, can we now consider gay people to be living? Most gay people have the ability to reproduce, but may choose not to. If you want a more interesting challenge to the definition, consider humans or organisms that are sterile. My two cents.
  • #1
kant
388
0
My professor at ucla gave the class a working definition of life as a self-reproducing, chemical system. Is there problems with this definition?

Well, given the definition only to work with, can we now consider gay people to be living?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
kant said:
My professor at ucla gave the class a working definition of life as a self-reproducing, chemical system. Is there problems with this definition?

Well, given the definition only to work with, can we now consider gay people to be living?
most gay people have the ability to reproduce, but may choose not to. If you want a more interesting challenge to the definition, consider humans or organisms that are sterile.
my two cents.
 
  • #3
Math Is Hard said:
most gay people have the ability to reproduce, but may choose not to. If you want a more interesting challenge to the definition, consider humans or organisms that are sterile.
my two cents.

But even a celibate monk is, in and of himself, a "self-reproducing chemical system". Our body cells die and are replaced at a fearsome rate.

The problem I see with the definition is that it may include systems that are not generally agreed to be alive. Let's discuss viruses, for example, and how about the simple chemical reaction in a petri dish that generates repeating spiral waves?
 
  • #4
Beer + DNA = life.

everything that doesn't get beer is magic :-p
 
  • #5
life ...hmm

LIFE - I think the definition of life - "is to do some thing - does not matter what you do or what you think, just do some thing"
 
  • #6
If evolution is correct, then the chemical system that is life reproduces, some of it will mutate. If it mutates to gay person, then that mutation dies. Gays don't have an affect on general populaton anyway. That's why the general population keeps producing mutated offsprings that are gay.
 
  • #7
Life is the greatest form of organism that takes shape in all its nature to reach ultimate goal of highest form to meet the consequences.
 
  • #8
Just as I thought. People who are technically educated in the life sciences don't participate in discussions on the definition of life and leave them to the uninformed hoi polloi, like me!
 
  • #9
kant said:
My professor at ucla gave the class a working definition of life as a self-reproducing, chemical system. Is there problems with this definition?

Well, given the definition only to work with, can we now consider gay people to be living?
Not having any children, I guess I'm not alive either.

Bummer.
 
  • #10
Life's a piece of sh*t, when you think of it..

Monty Python.
 
  • #11
Is there any serious reason why I shouldn't just move this thread to general discussion? It clearly belongs there.
 
  • #12
The way this is going I think it would rather be locked.

We answered the original question, and it is simple that we can't define life all that well.
 
  • #13
Mk said:
The way this is going I think it would rather be locked.

We answered the original question, and it is simple that we can't define life all that well.

I agree. Bye-bye. If you want to continue, do it on GD.
 

FAQ: Is Life Defined by Self-Reproduction? Exploring the Boundaries of Existence

What is self-reproduction and how does it relate to life?

Self-reproduction is the ability of an organism to produce offspring that are similar to itself. In the context of life, it refers to the process by which living organisms create new individuals of the same species. This is a fundamental characteristic of life, as it allows for the continuation and evolution of a species.

Is self-reproduction the only defining factor of life?

No, self-reproduction is just one of the defining characteristics of life. Other factors, such as the ability to grow and develop, respond to stimuli, and maintain homeostasis, are also essential for an organism to be considered alive.

Can non-living things exhibit self-reproduction?

No, self-reproduction is a unique feature of living organisms. Non-living things do not have the ability to create new individuals of the same kind.

How does self-reproduction contribute to the boundaries of existence?

Self-reproduction is a crucial aspect of the boundaries of existence, as it allows for the continuation of a species and the potential for evolution. It also sets living organisms apart from non-living things, as only living things have the ability to self-reproduce.

Are there any exceptions to the rule of self-reproduction in defining life?

While self-reproduction is a defining characteristic of life, there are some exceptions to this rule. Some organisms, such as mules, are infertile and cannot reproduce, yet they are still considered alive. Additionally, some single-celled organisms can reproduce asexually, which blurs the line between self-reproduction and growth and development.

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
8K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
19
Views
2K
Replies
25
Views
1K
Back
Top