Biological matter

Encyclopedia : B : BI : BIO : Biological matter

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See Biological material for other meanings.

Biological matter or biological material refers to the unique, highly organized substances of which cellular life is composed of, for instance membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids. They may also be called cellular components.

Most biological matter has the characteristics of soft matter, being governed by relatively small energies.

All known life is made of biological matter. To be differentiated from other theoretical or fictional life forms, these may be called carbon-based, cellular, organic, biological, or even simply living—as some definitions of life exclude alternative biochemistry.

Science fiction and fantasy

In science fiction and cyberpunk genres, biological matter or tissue makes up part or components of bioengineered and composite organisms such as cybernetic organisms (cyborgs, biomechanoids) and bioships. It may also be considered a material for creating constructed beings and androids. Examples of cyborgs include RoboCop (cyborg with human parts) and T-800 (cyborg with biological skin). Advanced machines may also take on a biological appearance, or act organically, without being made of biological matter.

Especially in fiction, other names for carbon-based life come into play, such as "meatbags" (HK-47 of Star Wars games), which presumably only refers to animals and not plants.

Also in fiction, biological matter with technology embedded within cells themselves may be called techno-organic material.

See also

• Tissue

 

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