Non-living to Living Things

  Atoms >>> radiation >>> organic molecules >>> RNA >>> complex cells >>> bacteria >>>  multi-cellular organisms >>> mutation >>> species ...

What Makes Stem Cells “Living”?

Stem cells meet all the criteria for life at the cellular level:

Metabolism: They carry out chemical reactions to stay alive and function.

Growth and Division: They can divide and produce more cells—sometimes indefinitely.

Response to Stimuli: They react to signals from their environment, which can guide their development.

Homeostasis: They maintain internal stability, just like other living cells.

Core Ingredients of Stem Cells

Component Function

Cell Membrane Protects the cell and controls what enters and exits.

Cytoplasm Gel-like fluid that holds all internal structures and allows chemical reactions.

Nucleus Contains DNA—the genetic blueprint that guides cell behavior and potential.

Mitochondria Produces energy (ATP) to power cell functions.

Ribosomes Build proteins based on instructions from DNA.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Processes and transports proteins and lipids.

Golgi Apparatus Packages and ships proteins to where they’re needed.

Centrosomes Help organize cell division—crucial for stem cell replication.

The parts of a cell—like the nucleus, mitochondria, and membrane—are not living on their own. They’re not organisms, and they can’t survive or function independently. But when they’re all assembled and working together inside a cell, the cell itself is alive.

a human being is a living system made up of non-living parts when considered in isolation.

Organs like the heart, liver, and lungs are made of cells, which are alive.

But the molecules and atoms that make up those cells—like proteins, lipids, and DNA—are not alive on their own.

When these components are organized into cells, and cells into tissues and organs, and those into a functioning body, life emerges.

This is a classic example of STOE:

Life is not found in the parts, but in the organization and interaction of those parts.

Humans are living beings, but their building blocks—atoms, molecules, even organelles—are not alive by themselves. Life is a pattern, not a substance.

Life Is a Mosaic:

Each piece alone—  

intuitive object.  

A sliver dull,  

no spark,  

no life.

But placed with care,  

by embedded inscription,  

they form a pattern—  

a Generated Interim,  

bold,  

magical.

Atoms cold,  

no breath.  

Organs still,  

no death.  

Yet when they hum  

in synchrony,  

a living system  

comes to be.  

Memories etched,  

instructions stored.  

Loss and logic,  

both explored.  

Cracks and codes,  

joy and strain,  

all stitched into  

a conscious plane.  

We are mosaics—  

not by magic,  

but by design.  

A living sum  

of parts aligned.  

Not in the pieces,  

but the cause—  

where IO meets EI,  

without pause.  

So let each fragment  

find its place—  

in time,  

in truth,  

in coded grace.  

For life is not  

a single spark—  

it’s every law  

that lights the dark.