Viruses modify all forms of life. All life forms can be divided into two states, one that stores and the second that acts on information, to duplicate an organism (Levine 1992). They populate the world with the living and the non-living, the ability to duplicate and those who cannot. Viruses are inherent in organization, and their properties represent many of the secrets of vital processes and life (Levine 1992). Viruses can be present in living organisms since the origin of life (Levy, Owens 1988). Evidence has shown that viruses can be found in many species, meaning that every species on this planet carries viruses (Levy, Owens 1988). Most researchers have indicated that viruses have played an important role in understanding how cells function over the years. Scientists have identified the main factors that contribute to the formation of viruses, such as DNA repair, mRNA translation, transcription and explaining the chemical nature of genes. (Levy, Owens 1988). Viruses are considered to be a phenotypic modification by host cells. Through aging, viruses incorporate host genes into their genomes and vice versa (Morse 1993). Are viruses an impossible feature of our life on earth or simply a complex chemistry of life? Scientists have yet to determine whether viruses are non-living systems or living living systems. In this thread we discuss whether viruses can be living or non-living things. What is a virus? Its roots derive from the Latin word, known as “poison”. Viruses were first discovered in the 19th century. Scientists have found that some diseases such as foot and mouth disease and rabies are caused by particles that resemble bacteria, yet have the ability to pass through fine filters that bacteria are unable to. Viruses were... half the paper... to produce products specified by viruses. Works Cited1. Carter, John. Saunders, Veneto. (2008). "Principles and applications of virology". Page6-7.2. Jalasvuori, Matti, Bamford, KH Jaana. Virus and life: can one exist without the other? "Journal of Cosmology". [August 2010]. Available (online) Available from: [Assessed 11/20/2010].3. Playfair, John. (1995). "Infection and immunity". Page 7, 12.4. Levine, J. Arnold. (1992). "Virus". Page 1, 8.5. Levy, A. Jan. (1998). "Virology". Page 1,2,126. Mims, Cedric. (2004). "Medical microbiology". Page 39-30 Third Edition.7. Morse, Boxing Day. (1993). "Emerging viruses". Page 3-6.8. Villarreal, P. Luis. Viruses are alive [December 2004]. (Online) Available from: Scientific American [Evaluated 18/11/2010].