Six Characteristics of Living Things

1. All living things have cells. A cell is the basic unit of structure and function in an organism. Unicellular -- single-celled organisms; ex. bacteria Multicellular -- many cells; ex. you!

2. All living things are made up of chemicals Most abundant chemical: water carbohydrates -- cell’s energy source proteins and lipids -- building materials of the cell DNA and RNA -- genetic material

3. All living things use energy. They use energy to make food, break down food, build and repair cells. Autotrophs -- make their own food; ex. plants Heterotrophs -- cannot make their own food

4. All living things grow and develop. Growth --> get larger Develop --> change that occurs to produce a more complex organism

5. All living things respond to their surroundings. Stimulus -- a change in an organism’s surroundings that causes the organism to react; ex. change in temp., light, sound, etc. Response -- an action or change in behavior; ex. Jump when your sister/ brother says “boo!”

6. All living things reproduce. To produce offspring that are similar to the parents.