[js1138]

But the question from this child in the back row is, is active communication going on in this dormant state? Or, as Martha Stewart might say is "life" a somewhat different concept from "living"? Or to be less frivolous, is there a state of matter that does not metabolize, but which will when conditions are right?

[Alamo-Girl]

But the question from this child in the back row is, is active communication going on in this dormant state? Or, as Martha Stewart might say is "life" a somewhat different concept from "living"? Or to be less frivolous, is there a state of matter that does not metabolize, but which will when conditions are right?

Indeed. It is like the "stand-by" state of your computer. A spore is in a dormant state, but information continues, for as soon as the environment permits, the spore reacts. Anthrax is a good example.