A useful characteristic

A useful characteristic upon which to base a definition of life is that of descent with modification: the ability of a life form to produce offspring that are like its parent or parents, but with the possibility of some variation due to chance. Descent with modification is sufficient by itself to allow evolution, assuming that the variations in the offspring allow for differential survival. The study of this form of heritability is called genetics. In all known life forms (assuming prions are not counted as such), the genetic material is primarily DNA or the related molecule, RNA.

This argument would, however, include replicating elements which have been observed to evolve, but are not generally accepted as being alive. Examples include viruses, plasmids, transposons, satellite DNA. Another exception might be the software code of certain forms of computer viruses and programs created through genetic programming.

The scientific logic concept of life

The scientific logic concept of life: Life is a form of non physical energy produced by the reproduction from another live organism that when attached to a physical body or organism, will impart it with what is known as the life cycle. The life cycle is the characteristic ability to biostart, grow, metabolize nutrients, mature, reproduce, and die.

No. 1. – Biostart – Occurs when the new organism begins the process of exhibiting life. That occurs as soon as the preprogrammed conditions for the multiplication of the physical cells of the organism are fulfilled. It begins the process of changing its size and appearance following a predefined sequence of events that will lead to the recreation of one or more entities similar to the one it came from.

No. 2. - Metabolism - metabolism produces energy to sustain the subsistence and growth of the entity by converting non living materials into cellular components (synthesis) and decomposing organic matter (see catalysis). Living things require energy to maintain internal organization (homeostasis and to produce the other phenomena associated with life.

No. 3 – Growth -- results from a higher rate of synthesis than catalysis. The growth process promotes the division of one live cell to form two new live cells. A growing organism increases in size in all of its parts, rather than simply accumulating matter. Growth follows a preprogrammed pattern of development, which is inherited from the process of reproduction.