1. Six Characteristics of Living Things

2. 1. All living things have cells.
A cell is the basic unit of
structure and function in an
organism.
Unicellular -- single-celled organisms; ex. bacteria
Multicellular -- many cells; ex. you!

3. 2. All living things are made up of chemicals
Most abundant chemical: water
carbohydrates -- cell’s energy source
proteins and lipids -- building materials of the cell
DNA and RNA -- genetic material

4. 3. All living things use energy.
They use energy to make food, break down food, build and repair cells.
Autotrophs -- make their own food;
ex. plants
Heterotrophs -- cannot make their own food

5. 4. All living things grow and develop.
Growth --> get larger
Develop --> change that occurs to produce a more complex organism

6. 5. All living things respond to their surroundings.
Stimulus -- a change in an organism’s surroundings that causes the organism to react; ex. change in temp., light, sound, etc.
Response -- an action or change in behavior; ex. Jump when your sister/ brother says “boo!”

7. 6. All living things reproduce.
To produce offspring that are similar to the parents.