Characteristics of Life Johnson 2016

What is Biology? The study of living things There are seven characteristics that help classify biotic organisms

Taxonomy Taxonomy Bacteria Eubacteria Archaea Archaebacteria Eukarya Protista Animalia Plantae Fungi Taxonomy: the classification of living things created by scientists Domains Kingdoms

CHARGER Made up of 1 or more Cells Unicellular (one cell) - ex. ALL Bacteria & SOME Fungi and Protista Multicellular (many cells) - ex. ALL Animals & Plants & SOME Fungi and Protista

Have a universal genetic code (DNA) CHARGER Have a universal genetic code (DNA) All living things have DNA DNA passes on genetic information from one generation to the next

CHARGER Maintain homeostasis Homeostasis – a relatively stable internal environment (within a certain range) - (ex. Human body temperature (approximately 98.6 degrees F))

Adapt and evolve over time CHARGER Adapt and evolve over time Evolution - gradual change in a population of organisms over time Individuals DO NOT evolve

Respond to stimuli in their environment CHARGER Respond to stimuli in their environment Stimuli - factors in the environment that living things react to (ex. Light, temperature, sound, etc.)

CHARGER Grow and develop Each cell divides to make new cells (cell division) – results in growth Some cells become specialized and perform different jobs than others (differentiation) Ex. Neurons vs. muscular cells

CHARGER Energy to survive Uses materials for metabolism 2 Types of Reactions 1. Anabolism = building up Ex: Putting amino acids together to make proteins 2. Catabolism = breaking down Ex: Breaking down starch into usable sugars

CHARGER Energy to survive Autotrophic - use energy from sun Heterotrophic – make energy by consuming nutrients from their environment

4. All living things reproduce CHARGER 4. All living things reproduce Asexual - only one parent cell is needed No genetic variability Sexual - two sex cells required (sperm and egg) genetic variability; preferred by nature