The Characteristics of Life What makes something living?

Biotic vs. Abiotic Alive or Not Biotic can also mean something found in a living thing. e.g. If you eat an apple you are eating biotic sugar.

All life exhibits the same characteristics. Characteristics of Life Must have ALL the characteristics to be alive.

The Characteristics of Life Made of cells that have DNA. Cell Theory = All living things are made of one or more cells. Cells are the basic unit of life. Present day cells come from other cells. Unicellular vs. Multicellular All living things carry life’s information in DNA.

The Characteristics of Life Maintains homeostasis. Internal Balance Temperature Sugar Energy Water pH

The Characteristics of Life Does Work: Responds to stimuli to maintain homeostasis. Voluntary or Involuntary

The Characteristics of Life Has a metabolism or chemical reactions. To get energy for work. To get materials. ATP

The Characteristics of Life digestion & synthesis breaking down or building up

The Characteristics of Life Needs energy for work. Found in food. ATP

The Characteristics of Life Needs nutrients for materials. To build the body or cells.

The Characteristics of Life Has adaptations through evolution. Helps maintain homeostasis.

The Characteristics of Life It grows. To get bigger.

The Characteristics of Life Develops into reproductive adults.

The Characteristics of Life Do organisms need to reproduce to be alive? For what?