Life is a characteristic distinguishin objects havin signalin an self-sustainin processes frae those that dae nae,[1][2] aither acause sic functions hae ceased (death), or acause thay lack sic functions an are clessifee'd as inanimate.[3][4]

Life (Biota)
Plants in the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda
Scientific classification e
Domains an Supergroups

Life on Yird:

Notes

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  1. Infectious protein molecules prions are nae conseedert livin organisms, but can be describit as "organism-comparable organic structurs".
  2. Certain specific virus-dependent organic structures mey be conseedert subviral agents, includin satellites an defective interferin pairticles, baith o which require anither virus for thair replication.

References

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  1. Koshland, Jr., Daniel E. (22 Mairch 2002). "The Seven Pillars of Life". Science. 295 (5563): 2215–2216. doi:10.1126/science.1068489. PMID 11910092. Retrieved 25 Mey 2009.
  2. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition, published by Houghton Mifflin Company, via Answers.com:
    • "The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organism."
    • "The characteristic state or condition of a living organism."
  3. Definition of inanimate. WordNet Search by Princeton University.
  4. "Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved 21 Juin 2009.