Properties of Living Systems

1. Chemical Uniqueness a. Macromolecules b. Examples: i. Nucleic acids ii. Proteins iii. Carbohydrates iv. Lipids proteins lipids carbohydrates

2. Complexity & Hierarchial Organization Unique to living systems Levels of organization i. Macromolecules ii. Cells ► Tissues ►Organs ► Organ systems► Organisms iii. Populations iv. Species

3. Reproduction (copying self) a. Genes (DNA replication) b. Cells ( Mitosis & Meiosis) c. Organisms d. Populations e. Heredity (passing of traits from parents to offspring) f. Genetic variation (differences within traits) g. Genetic diversity improves chances of species survival.

4. Possession of a Genetic Program Nucleic acids carry genetic code (i.e. DNA)

5. Metabolism Metabolism = Anabolism + Catabolism Obtaining and using energy from nutrients Anabolism - using molecules for building and maintaining living systems Catabolism – breaking down molecules Metabolism = Anabolism + Catabolism

6. Development Changes in size and shape Growth, maturation, aging, death Human Life Cycle

7. Environmental Interaction a. Ecology – organisms interact with the environment b. Living things respond to the environment b. Irritability- ability to respond to a stimulus Examples of stimuli: light, heat, cold, sound, vibration, touch, color, pressure, gravity, etc.