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Something is alive if it can reproduce, respond to changes in his/her/its surroundings, can convert some form of energy into energy to sustain his/her/its self, and has DNA. Thus, a virus is not alive because it can not reproduce on its own-it needs a host. A baby human is alive for the above four reasons (though reproduction is a capacity that will develop with maturity).

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What is the smallest thing that can be considered alive?

The smallest thing that can be considered alive is a single-celled organism, such as a bacterium or a protozoan. These organisms are made up of a single cell that carries out all the functions necessary for life, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. They are considered alive because they exhibit characteristics of living organisms, such as responding to stimuli and maintaining homeostasis.


What has living characteristics but is not alive?

Viruses have some characteristics of life but these are not considered living organisms as they are non cellular.


Is a lit candle Alive?

No, a lit candle is not considered alive because it does not exhibit the characteristics of living organisms such as growth, reproduction, or response to stimuli. It is a chemical reaction producing light and heat.


Is water alive according to the characteristics of life?

According to the 7 characteristics of life. . . Sensitivity and reactivity to the environment and Capacity for adaptation: Yes Ingestion of substance for energy: No Reproduction: Yes Respiration: No Emission of wastes: No Internal Movement: Yes Cellular Structure: No Given that water is only 3/7 "Yes", we can assume that no, water is not "alive" in these senses.


Are unicellular organisms alive or dead?

Unicellular organisms are alive. They are considered living entities because they exhibit the essential characteristics of life, such as the ability to reproduce, respond to stimuli, and metabolize nutrients for energy.

Related Questions

Are spores considered to be alive?

Spores are not considered to be alive because they are dormant and do not exhibit the characteristics of living organisms, such as growth, metabolism, and response to stimuli.


What is the smallest thing that can be considered alive?

The smallest thing that can be considered alive is a single-celled organism, such as a bacterium or a protozoan. These organisms are made up of a single cell that carries out all the functions necessary for life, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. They are considered alive because they exhibit characteristics of living organisms, such as responding to stimuli and maintaining homeostasis.


What are the characteristics are necessary to being alive?

ReproduceObtain and use energyGrow, develop, and dieRespond to the environment


What has living characteristics but is not alive?

Viruses have some characteristics of life but these are not considered living organisms as they are non cellular.


Is a flower alive?

Yes, a flower is considered alive because it exhibits characteristics of living organisms such as growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli.


If fire is considered alive then why are flowers considered alive?

fire is considered alive because it needs oxygen to burn. flowers are alive because it needs heat for energy to create more cells, CO2 because they need it to produce necessary sugars. and it grows... of course


Is a plucked petal alive according to the characteristics of life?

No, a plucked petal is not considered alive. Once detached from the plant, the petal no longer exhibits characteristics of life such as growth, response to stimuli, or reproduction. It is now considered a non-living part of the plant.


Is a single cell alive?

Yes, a single cell is considered alive because it exhibits the characteristics of life, such as metabolism, growth, response to stimuli, and reproduction.


Why are mules considered alive even though they cannot reproduce?

Of the list of 'characteristics of life', reproduction is a big one. However, the characteristics aren't really 100% necessary, and more importantly, even if a mule can't give birth to another mule, the cells in the mule's body reproduce to help it grow.


If something is considered to be physically alive it must possess what characteristics?

cellular organization, homeostasis, reproduction, metabolism, and heredity


How can you determine if an object is alive?

An object is considered alive if it exhibits characteristics such as growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and metabolism. These traits differentiate living organisms from inanimate objects.


Are quarks alive?

No, quarks are elementary particles that make up protons and neutrons. They are not considered alive because they do not have the characteristics of living organisms, such as metabolism or the ability to reproduce.