Characteristics of Living Things

All Living Things Share Common Characteristics What do you think are characteristics that make something living?

Living Things Are Made Up of Cells Smallest living unit Unicellular/Multicellular Complex, highly organized

Based on Universal Genetic Code Stores info needed to live, grow and reproduce in DNA Info copied  passed on to offspring Almost identical in every organism on Earth

Living Things Reproduce Sexual Reproduction Sex cells from 2 parents unite (plant/animal) Asexual Reproduction Single organism produces clone of itself (bacteria)

Growth and Development Cells begin to differentiate Look different Perform different functions

Maintain Stable Environment Keep internal environment stable even though external conditions change Homeostasis

Respond to Their Environment Detect and respond to signals (stimulus) from their environment

Obtain and Use Material/Energy Energy needed to grow, develop, function and reproduce Metabolism- sum of all chemical reactions in an organism SUN is main source for all life 6O2 + C6H12O6 6CO2 + 6H2O

Taken as a Group, Living Things Evolve Change over time Links all life forms to common origin Evidence found in living/fossil organisms DNA

LIFE IS ORGANIZED ON MANY LEVELS

Atoms Molecules Organelles Cells – life starts here Tissues Organs System Organism Population Community Ecosystem Biosphere