1. Characteristics of
Life

2. Study of Biology The study of all living things
Living things are called organisms
Bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, & animals

3. All Organisms Share Common Characteristics
Cellular Organization
Homeostasis
Metabolism
Respond to stimuli
Reproduce
Heredity (DNA)
Growth

4. Cellular Organization
Cells are the smallest living unit of an organism
Cells have parts called organelles that do different jobs
All cells are surrounded by a cell membrane that controls what enters & leaves the cell
Same basic structure in all organisms

5. Organisms are Grouped by their Number of Cells
Unicellular Organisms
Living Organism Made Up Of One Cell
Multicellular Organisms
Living Organism Made Up Of Many, Specialized Cells

6. Homeostasis
Keeping the internal environment of the Cell or organism within the ranges required for life
Stable internal conditions of pH, temperature, water balance, etc.

7. Metabolism
The sum of all chemical reactions carried out by an organism
Sunlight is the source of energy for plants - photosynthesis
Plants serve as the source of energy for other organisms – cellular respiration

8. Response Organisms respond to their external environment
Stimuli like Temperature, Water, Food Supplies, etc.
Plants bend toward sunlight, a bird fluffs feathers for warmth

9. Reproduction Sexual Reproduction Asexual reproduction
Involves 2 parents
Offspring DIFFERENT from parents
Asexual reproduction
Only 1 parent
Offspring identical to parent

10. Heredity
All cells contain DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid) carries the genetic code for all organisms
DNA codes for the proteins that make up cells & do all the work
The DNA molecule is the same in ALL organisms

11. Growth All Organisms grow and develop
Organisms grow by producing more cells & by cell enlargement
Organisms develop as they mature into an adult organism

12. Where Life Begins