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Characteristics of Life
Characteristics of Life
Characteristics of Life
sex cells
All living things share some basic properties.
Cellular Organization Metabolism
Reproduction
Metabolism (Obtain and Use Energy) Living organisms need energy to grow, develop,
Homeostasis repair damage, and reproduce
Heredity Homeostasis
Responsiveness
Growth and Development A stable state of conditions in the body that are
Adaptation necessary for life
Levels of Organization Body temperature
Blood volume
Cellular Organization
pH balance
Smallest unit capable of all life functions Water balance
Unicellular Organisms
Entire organism is made up of one single cell Heredity
Bacteria and protists Genes carry hereditary information
Multicellular Organisms Genes are composed of DNA
The organism is made up of many cells Heredity is the reason children resemble their
Cells have specialized functions within the parents
organism
Responsiveness
Levels of Organization
Organisms react to stimuli:
The hierarchy of increasing complexity within the Light
cells. Temperature
Odor
Sound
Gravity
Heat
Water
Pressure
An example is a plant’s leaves and stems growing
toward light
Growth and Development
Adaptation