· Topic DQ 2 ps//t 46609/discussion,topics/132904747module item id 33216742 Cons

Question

· Topic DQ 2 ps//t 46609/discussion,topics/132904747module item id 33216742 Consideration of participation in discussion boards is also part of the Attendance and Participation" grade for the course. Is being able to absorb nutrients a necessary condition for being called "alive" at a given moment? Note that we are not asking what it takes to stay alive for a period of time: we are asking what is the definition of "being alive" at a given moment nutrients? does it necessarily include being able to absorb And we are not asking, do you have to actually be absorbing nutrients at a given moment to be called "alive at that moment. That would be an absurd condition: obviously there are times when a person is alive" but is not at that moment absorbing nutrients. We are asking, do you have to have the ability to absorb nutrients at a given moment in order to be called "alive" at that moment?? The philosopher Fred Feldman offers the following counter-example: While undergoing abdominal surgery, a person's digestive system may be temporally detached and shut down. Furthermore, a person might be unconscious and paralyzed. Such a patient Iclearly meets the definition of being called] alive, yet is unable to take in food (because of being paralyzed and unconscious) and unable to absorb any food (because the intestines are detached). So Feldman says that being able to engage in nutrition is not a necessary condition for being called alive Give your answer as to whether being able to engage in nutrition is a necessary condition for being called "alive If you say no, can you think of something else that is a necessary condition for being called "alive"? Defend that point Unread

Explanation / Answer

Answer: To the best of my knowledge, as a biochemist, my opinion in the discussion is on the molecular basis. Absorption of nutrients is very important and vital to be alive. As nutrients like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids are absorbed and digested; it is the main fuel of life that provides energy. Therefore the critical processes of absorption are important which mostly occurs in the epithelial lining of gut. Therefore, if cells need to be alive they need constant source of energy through different biomolecules. The first one digested are carbohydrates followed but fats and proteins. However, some researchers pointed out towards various pathological conditions like abdominal diseases, unconsciousness and paralytic conditions. In these conditions the patient will survive till its fuel is exhausted and then muscle gets degraded because protein will start mobilizing for energy and it will lead to starvation and finally death. Therefore, absorption is one of the most vital processes of life and essentially basic and fundamental also. Therefore, I will argue with this discussion that absorption is to be alive.

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