Bark Question

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by hcastil3

also keep in mind Viruses are neither dead or alive .. they just are.........

you can denature a virus by this it just means denaturing it. and the capsids just kind of float away and are unasembled . but if you reintroduce a strand of a live DNA or RNA it will re assemble itself again using the old parts of the non assembled viruses.

Just remember the “Hershey-Chase Experiment” this will explain a little of how viruses work.

I take it as you meant viable DNA or RNA, as saying "live" contradicts what you said in the very beginning.

Virus can be said to be alive once it is active inside the host.
Virus can be said to just exist when it is outside the host and not doing anything, but still staying intact with all the material it needs to replicate itself.
I also think that virus can be said to be dead once its composition is no longer intact.

Once the core materials (DNA and RNA are also subject to environmental elements, but just more stable structure) are damaged, they are basically dead, meaning they will not be able to function as they otherwise would when conditions become favorable again.

[JMNYC]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I take it as you meant viable DNA or RNA, as saying "live" contradicts what you said in the very beginning.

Virus can be said to be alive once it is active inside the host.
Virus can be said to just exist when it is outside the host and not doing anything, but still staying intact with all the material it needs to replicate itself.
I also think that virus can be said to be dead once its composition is no longer intact.

Once the core materials (DNA and RNA are also subject to environmental elements, but just more stable structure) are damaged, they are basically dead, meaning they will not be able to function as they otherwise would when conditions become favorable again.

Like all living organisms, viruses (and retroviruses) are simply BRILLIANT. Their evolved strategies to survive and replicate....are breathtaking. Also, their ability to morph in the face of challenges.

Same is true of bacteria, but, to me, a less impressive extent. and, without benefiicent bacteria, we would not be here.

Again, the intelligence that marks the natural world. It's humbling for sure.

Edit: by the by, for a long time I have been keeping a supply of grapefruit seed extract oil on hand. I woould olt be wihtolut it! I almost never get sick, but when I do....sometimes a sinus issue, i use it and, n two days i am just fine.

This natural agent has no downsides unlike orthodox pharms; it does not harm friendly organisms nor does it have side effects; it is effective against at least 800 pathogens.

It has even occurred to me, should I ever get a virused orchid....while I would naturally isolate it, I would try to use this on it.

Re viruses, despite the current formal dicta, and that they can not survive outside of a host cell....I do consider them living organisms....just not able to live autonomously/independently.