Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Surveying Low-Cost Methods to Measure Lifespan and Healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: May 18, 2022
A new biological definition of life
Victor V Tetz1, George V Tetz1
1Human Microbiology Institute, 101 Avenue of Americas, New York, NY 10013, United States of America.
Abstract:
Here we have proposed a new biological definition of life based on the function and reproduction of existing genes and creation of new ones, which is applicable to both unicellular and multicellular organisms. First, we coined a new term "genetic information metabolism" comprising functioning, reproduction, and creation of genes and their distribution among living and non-living carriers of genetic information. Encompassing this concept, life is defined as organized matter that provides genetic information metabolism. Additionally, we have articulated the general biological function of life as Tetz biological law: "General biological function of life is to provide genetic information metabolism" and formulated novel definition of life: "Life is an organized matter that provides genetic information metabolism". New definition of life and Tetz biological law allow to distinguish in a new way living and non-living objects on Earth and other planets based on providing genetic information metabolism.
Related Concept Videos
Characteristics of Life
Synthetic Biology
Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified...
Functions of Life
Metabolism
The basic function of an organism is to consume energy and molecules in foods, convert some of it into fuel for movement, sustain body functions, and build and maintain body structures. There are two types of reactions that accomplish this: anabolism and catabolism.
Anabolism is the process whereby...
Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology
The nervous system, the cornerstone of...
The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, Eukaryotes
Three-Domain System of Life

