Most mutations have no effect on organisms. Organisms all have large amounts of genetic code, most of which has no effect. As a result, mutation of this code is rarely meaningful.
The continual input of energy, mostly from sunlight, sustains the process of life. Sunlight allows plants, algae and cyanobacteria to use photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds like carbohydrates. This process is the fundamental source of organic material in the biosphere. There are a few exceptions to this, such as ecosystems living around hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, which derive their energy from the chemical compounds such as methane and hydrogen sulfide. In either case, the overall productivity of an ecosystem is controlled by the total energy available.
Anything that is considered alive must exhibit ALL 7 characteristics of life. A virus may show some characteristics, but it does not show all, so therefore, its not alive.
