5.5 Living Systems – Characteristics of Organisms

5.5a Basic Cell Structures and Functions Living things are made of cells. Cells carry out all life processes. New cells come from existing cells. Cells are too small to be seen with the eye alone. By using a microscope, many parts of a cell can be seen.

5.5a Basic Cell Structures and Functions Plant Cells Cell Wall – Provides support and protection to the cell membrane Rectangular shape Chloroplasts – Traps energy from the sun to produce food, contains chlorophyll (makes the plant green) Cell Membrane – holds in cytoplasm, lets some materials go through Cytoplasm – The jelly-like substance Nucleus – The control center, holds the DNA Vacuole – Stores water

5.5a Basic Cell Structures and Functions Animal Cells Vacuole – Storage area Round Shape Nucleus – The control center, holds the DNA Cell Membrane – holds in cytoplasm, lets some materials go through Cytoplasm – The jelly-like substance

5.5b Classification Five Kingdoms Organisms that share similar characteristics can be organized into groups in order to help understand similarities and differences. Five Kingdoms Monerans Protists Fungi Plants Animals One-celled No nucleus Some make food, some don’t Example: bacteria Most are one-celled, but some are many-celled Have nucleus Example: algae One-celled or many-celled Decomposer Examples: mold, mushroom Many-celled Make own food Has nucleus Examples: trees, roses Very complex Obtain food from others Examples: Human, fish, bird

5.5b Classification Vascular Nonvascular Plants can be categorized as vascular or nonvascular Vascular Nonvascular Has special tissues to transport food and water Most plants are vascular Examples: Trees, flowering plants Does not have tissues to transport food and water Examples: Mosses, liverwort, hornwort

5.5b Classification Vertebrates Invertebrates Have backbones Examples: Animals can be categorized as vertebrates or invertebrates Vertebrates Invertebrates Have backbones Examples: Fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles Do not have backbones Sponges, jellyfish, worms, insects, crustaceans,

5.5c Survival Traits Organisms have many traits that allow them to survive in their environment. These include physical and behavioral characteristics, such as: A thick coat of fur to survive in cold climates A curved beak to catch prey Thick bark to protect against the cold winters Migration to avoid a cold winter Hibernation to survive a cold winter Becoming dormant during dry periods AND MANY MORE…