Question

1.) The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This type of RNA virus causes diseases by replicating only inside the living cells of an organism like mammals and birds. When not inside an infected cell, viruses behave mostly as inert things (e.g., do not self-replicate, do need energy to exist and might crystallize). What traits, common to living things, might define SARS-CoV-2 as a living organism? Define at least 4 principles. (This is an essay style question for Biology 1000)

Answer 1

The four principles that make SARS-CoV-2 a living organism are:

1. Genetic material: SARS-CoV-2 has double-stranded RNA as genetic material. Living organisms must have genetic material in order to carry and pass traits to the next generation.
2. Reproduction: SARS-CoV-2 can replicate and increase in number. Without reproduction, it would get wiped out and go extinct.
3. Adaptation/Evolution: SARS-CoV-2 can undergo mutations and thus evolve into new types. This helps it to overcome externalities, and continue to survive.
4. Respond to ligands/signals: SARS-CoV2 can detect and respond to different chemicals and stimuli present in the environment. It gets activated for growth and proliferation upon coming in contact with a living cell.