Characteristics of life Note #2

Learning Goals What are the basic building blocks of life? Do living things have all the characteristics of life? Explain with examples. Can non-living things still have one or more of the characteristics of life? Give an examples.

Characteristics of Living Things 1. Growth and Development Undergo changes in size & shape in a process called maturation 2. Acquire Energy Obtain & use energy (sunlight, food) to power activities (growth, movement, repair) 3. Reproduction Give rise to offspring – sexually OR asexually

Characteristics of Living Things 4. Responsiveness Respond and adapt to the environment Escape predators, move towards light, migrate for food) 5. Order & Organization Composed of cells

Living or Not? Living Must satisfy ALL of the characteristics to be considered living Non-Living If only a few characteristics satisfied, it does not mean it is living Dead Was once living

Is a Volcano alive? Characteristics G & D ENERGY REPRODUCTION RESPONSIVENESS O & O

Is Wall-e alive?

The Cell Theory

Cell Theory All living things are made up of cells. The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life. All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Modern Cell Theory Cells contain DNA which is passed on from cell to cell All cells are basically the same in chemical composition All basic functions are carried out inside the cell Cell activity depends on the organelles found inside the cell

Learning Goals What are the basic building blocks of life? Do living things have all the characteristics of life? Explain with examples. Can non-living things still have one or more of the characteristics of life? Give an examples.