Characteristics of Life

All living things share some basic properties  Cells  Organization  Energy Use  Homeostasis  Growth and Development  Reproduction

Cells  Basic unit of life Carry out the functions of life All organisms have 1 or more cells. Human skinPlant leafBacteria

Cells  Unicellular organisms Made of 1 cell Each cell has everything necessary for life Include bacteria and protists

Cells  Multicellular Organisms Made up of many cells Cells have specialized functions within the organism

Organization  Living things are much more complex than anything non-living. More complex molecules, structures organized into groups. Non-living: composed of atoms and/or molecules Living: macromolecules, organelles, cells Protein Cell with many organelles

Other levels of Organization TISSUEORGANORGAN-SYSTEM

Energy Use  Living things need energy to grow, develop, repair damage, and reproduce  Known as metabolism

Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs Autotrophs, like plants, can make their own food using the sun’s energy and Earth’s inorganic molecules. Heterotrophs, like the bird that eats fish, consume other organisms.

Homeostasis  Maintain stable internal conditions. Response to the environment. Includes body temperature, blood volume, removal of waste, pH balance, and water balance

Growth and Development  Growth Cells divide to make more cells and the organism gets bigger

Growth and Development  Development Cells take on specific roles (differentiation). Physiological change or change in form may occur.

Reproduction  Pass genetic information (DNA) along to produce more members of a species.

Reproduction  Asexual reproduction A single organism reproduces by itself

Reproduction  Sexual Reproduction 2 different parent organisms contribute genetic information to an offspring

From what you learned about the characteristics of life:  Look at the 2 items at the front of the room. What observations can you make about each item. They will be passed around for you to make these observations.  With your partner decide if they have been alive, if they are currently alive, and how we would know based on the characteristics of life.  Could we set up an experiment with each to find out?