Supplementary 1

Question 1

4 points LS and 3 points NLS

What is the differences between living and non-living structures

D, P

Examples

Answer 1

Living Structures
- Dissipative (constant state of turnover)
- Self-programmed
- Needs to stay alive by storing energy e.g. carbs
- Examples are humans, animals and trees

Non-Living Structures
- Not dissipative
- Not self-programmed
- Examples are objects like chairs, tables and robots

Question 2

Describe advantages and disadvantages of living structures

Answer 2

Advantages
- Ability for organism to self-program (repair, plasticity, growth development, reproduction and evolution)

Disadvantages
- requires sustained flow of matter and energy (needs energy such as carbs)
- Dependence on integrity of program (DNA)

Question 3

Why aren’t viruses considered living?

Answer 3

• not in constant state of turnover (static structure)
• can only multiply when attaching to living structures