(October 4, 2013 at 2:57 am)max-greece Wrote: "The components of simple viruses such as TMV, which consists of a single RNA molecule and one protein species, undergo self-assembly if they are mixed in solution. "
And here lies the heart of the matter (for me), are viruses living things or not? My class and professor didn't come to a definitive conclusion, but the general consensus was that the virus itself is not a living thing, but the genetic material it carries is. Kind of like people still being living things, even though they use a car to get around.
Nevertheless, fascinating subject. Thanks for sharing, Max!
When I was young, there was a god with infinite power protecting me. Is there anyone else who felt that way? And was sure about it? but the first time I fell in love, I was thrown down - or maybe I broke free - and I bade farewell to God and became human. Now I don't have God's protection, and I walk on the ground without wings, but I don't regret this hardship. I want to live as a person. -Arina Tanemura
