Question

You hear reports of a strange new organism that was discovered near a meteor that crashed to earth. It is microscopic, contains DNA, and seems to have a cell membrane made mostly of fat molecules. The organism is able to use sunlight as an energy source in a previously unobserved form of photosynthesis. Scientists study the organism in the lab and note that it is only able to reproduce if it is able to enter another cell and use that cell's ribosomes to make new copies of itself. Would this organism be considered a living thing by biologists? Why or why not? Be sure to post an initial post of a minimum of 100.

Answer 1

Yes, it would

Step-by-step explanation:

There are certain characteristics that something must possess to be classified as a living organism. One very important characteristics a living thing must possess is that it must be made of at least one or more cells. According to the question, this organism has a cell membrane, hence, it must possess a cell.

This cell is also reported to contain a DNA, which stores its genetic information and transfers it to its offsprings. The organisms is also capable of obtaining nutrients via photosynthesis (nutrition). However, it can only reproduce in the cell of another organism by making use of the organism's replicational abilities.

Based on these possessed characteristics by the microscopic organism, it has a CELL, can perform some life functions e.g nutrition, heritability etc with the exception of reproduction, which it cannot do independently. This organism can still be considered LIVING as it exhibits some of the characteristics of life and most importantly is made up of a cell.