It’s Alive!!! What all living things have in common.

All living things have 9 basic characteristics in common.

1. DNA (genetic code)  Offspring inherit their traits from their parents.  These traits are passed on using DNA.

2. Organization Multicellular organisms are made up of cells; cells have organelles, organelles are made of molecules, and on and on Multicellular organisms are made up of cells; cells have organelles, organelles are made of molecules, and on and on Single-celled organisms also have organelles, etc. Single-celled organisms also have organelles, etc.

3. Growth and Development  Most unicellular organism only grow, or increase in size.  Multicellular organisms grow and develop (cells continue to divide in order to mature).

4. Stimulus Response  Detection and response to stimuli (both internal and external).

5. Reproduction  All organisms produce new organisms through reproduction.  Sexual reproduction – two cells from different parents unite to produce the new organism.  Asexual reproduction – new organism has a single parent.

6. Energy Acquisition and Release  One view of life is that it is a struggle to acquire energy (from sunlight, inorganic chemicals, or another organism), and release it.

7. Adaptation  The characteristics of populations change over time, usually in response to their environment.  Charles Darwin began the recognition of the marvelous adaptations all life has that allow those organisms to exist in their environment.

8. Cells  All living things are made of cells.  Unicellular – only one cell  Multicellular – two or more cells

9. Homeostasis  Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant (yet also dynamic) internal environment in terms of temperature, pH, water concentrations, etc.

Remember... DOG’S REACH