Biology: egg: living, dead, or non living?

Question

Is an egg a living thing, a once living thing, or a non living thing?

Answer 1

Intriguing question.  An egg is composed of a living cell, but that living cell is incomplete and cannot survive and carry on the functions of life without being fertilized.  

I am going to say a once living thing, because like a newly dead body there are still life functions going on, but they are coming to an end unless fertilization has occured.

Answer 2

It is a living cell, although it is not usually defined as a separate organism from the mother unless it is fertilized. If unfertilized, it is no more an independent organism than a skin cell or a neuron would be.

Answer 3

It is a living cell capable of metabolism, growth, reproduction, respiration, etc...