Viruses: Microbiology unit 6 seminar option 2
Viruses:Microbiology unit 6 seminar option 2
Are viruses alive? Seems like a simple question, right? The scientific community has been split on this topic for years, with both camps presenting some credible arguments for its case. For this unit, you are going to explore both sides of the debate, and see if you can finally put the argument to rest!
Are viruses alive? Seems like a simple question, right? The scientific community has been split on this topic for years, with both camps presenting some credible arguments for its case. For this unit, you are going to explore both sides of the debate, and see if you can finally put the argument to rest!
Before coming to Seminar, explore:
It’s alive? (2008). Scientific American, 299(4), 18.
http://search.ebscohost.com.lib.kaplan.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=34236085&site=eds-live
This website contains many useful links. Be sure to click through the pages to gain additional information and insight.
Option 1- Attend Seminar:
Come to Seminar prepared to discuss the following questions:
What is life? Describe attributes of life that make it distinctive from other parts of the Earth system, such as minerals, water, or light.
What is a virus, what qualities do viruses possess that are characteristics of life (from above question)? What qualities set them apart from the classic definitions of life?
Is a virus a living entity? Why or why not? Support your answer with ideas from the previous questions.
If you define a virus as a living entity, what are the limits of life? Discuss what qualities must be present for something to be considered alive.
If a virus is not defined as living, what is it? How does it reproduce? How have viruses evolved through time?
Option 2- Alternative Assignment:
You will benefit most from attending the graded Seminar as an active participant. However, if you are unable to attend you have the opportunity to make up the points by completing the alternative assignment.
Write and submit a 500-word paper answering the questions above. Your paper should be in APA format with the correct use of in-text citations and references. Include a well-developed introduction and conclusion in your paper.
Save your copy of the Option 2 paper in a location and with a name that you will remember. Be sure to use the “Save As” option to include your first and last name in the title of the document.
