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Anonymous 69
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I want to know what is the difference in atoms when a cell is alive and after it is dead
Atoms in Living vs. Dead Cells: A Comparison
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the differences in atomic organization between living and dead cells. It concludes that the atoms themselves remain unchanged; rather, it is the molecular organization within cells that differentiates living cells from dead ones. Living cells are characterized as self-sustaining and capable of evolution, utilizing energy from their environment. The analogy of atoms in functioning versus non-functioning transistors illustrates that atomic properties are consistent, but their organizational context defines their functionality.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of molecular biology concepts
- Familiarity with the definition of life in biological terms
- Basic knowledge of atomic structure and organization
- Awareness of energy dynamics in living organisms
- Research the molecular organization in living cells versus dead cells
- Explore the definition of life and its implications in biology
- Investigate energy utilization in biological systems
- Study the properties of atoms in different states of matter and their organizational contexts
Biologists, molecular biologists, and anyone interested in the fundamental differences between living and non-living matter.
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berkeman
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Welcome to the PF. 
What do you think the differences might be?
(Thread moved from the Quantum Physics forum to the Biology forum)Anonymous 69 said:
What do you think the differences might be?
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Johan0001
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good question
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BillTre
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The difference is in the organization of the molecules which the atoms form, not in the atoms themselves.
The molecules themselves are not different, but they are part of larger structure (cells, unless you want to include viruses) that they are part of.
Although there is no commonly accepted definition of life, living things could be considered
self-sustaining, self replicating entities (when considered in the environment they are adapted to) that are capable of evolving by natural selection.
They use energy they obtain from their environment to maintain themselves and reproduce.
A technical comparison of this organization argument might be what is the difference between the atoms in a transistor in a functioning computer from those in:
a) a computer that is turned off
b) a computer that has been smashed to bits
c) a transistor that is just laying around on a lab bench
The atoms are part of larger entities that have properties based upon their higher level organization.
In all these cases, the atoms just do their atomistic things in the same way.
There are some older PF threads on definition of life and related subjects.
Some are listed here.
The molecules themselves are not different, but they are part of larger structure (cells, unless you want to include viruses) that they are part of.
Although there is no commonly accepted definition of life, living things could be considered
self-sustaining, self replicating entities (when considered in the environment they are adapted to) that are capable of evolving by natural selection.
They use energy they obtain from their environment to maintain themselves and reproduce.
A technical comparison of this organization argument might be what is the difference between the atoms in a transistor in a functioning computer from those in:
a) a computer that is turned off
b) a computer that has been smashed to bits
c) a transistor that is just laying around on a lab bench
The atoms are part of larger entities that have properties based upon their higher level organization.
In all these cases, the atoms just do their atomistic things in the same way.
There are some older PF threads on definition of life and related subjects.
Some are listed here.
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