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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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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the differences in atomic composition or organization between living and dead cells, exploring the implications of cellular organization and the definition of life. The scope includes biological concepts and theoretical comparisons.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions the differences in atoms between living and dead cells, prompting exploration of the topic.
- Another participant suggests that the difference lies in the organization of molecules formed by the atoms, rather than the atoms themselves.
- It is proposed that living entities can be defined as self-sustaining, self-replicating, and capable of evolving, which may influence their atomic organization.
- A technical analogy is drawn comparing the organization of atoms in a functioning transistor to those in various states of a computer, emphasizing that the atomic behavior remains consistent regardless of the system's state.
- References to older threads on the definition of life and related subjects are mentioned, indicating ongoing discussions in the forum.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the significance of atomic differences, with some focusing on molecular organization and others questioning the relevance of atomic composition in defining life.
Contextual Notes
The discussion does not resolve the definitions of life or the implications of atomic organization, leaving these concepts open to interpretation and further exploration.
- #2
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?
- #3
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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