You are here:

Biology/beggining of life

Advertisement

Expert: Florence M Rollwagen - 4/14/2009


Question
when, scientifically, does the life of an individual begin?

Answer
Hi Jayden:  Thanks for your question.

If you mean the life of an individual human, this is a philosophical question, not a scientific one.  Scientists have several criteria for defining life:

1.  Take in energy from the environment
2.  Grow
3.  Respond to stimuli
4.  Be composed of cells
5.  Reproduce
6.  Have a body organization plan.

Hope this helps, write back if you have more questions.

FM Rollwagen, PhD

Biology

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Florence M Rollwagen

Expertise

I can answer questions in biology, microbiology and immunology on the undergraduate or graduate level. I can also address medical and health concerns regarding alternative medicine, autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS) liver disease and intestinal problems.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience in research and teaching at the medical/graduate level, and 5 years teaching college biology and microbiology. My expertise is in microbiology and immunology, specifically the biology of cytokines and soluble immune response modifiers. I also carried out original research in blood substitutes and shock/trauma.

Organizations
American Association of Immunologists (AAI) American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Publications
Journal of Experimental Medicine, Journal of Immunology, Cytokine, Shock, Experimental Hematology

Education/Credentials
BS biology 1966 MS biology 1968 PhD immunology 1979

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.