1. Properties of Living Systems

2. 1. Chemical Uniqueness a. Macromolecules b. Examples: i. Nucleic acids
ii. Proteins
iii. Carbohydrates
iv. Lipids
proteins
lipids
carbohydrates

3. 2. Complexity & Hierarchial Organization
Unique to living systems
Levels of organization
i. Macromolecules
ii. Cells ► Tissues ►Organs
► Organ systems► Organisms
iii. Populations
iv. Species

4. 3. Reproduction (copying self)
a. Genes (DNA replication)
b. Cells ( Mitosis & Meiosis)
c. Organisms
d. Populations
e. Heredity (passing of traits
from parents to offspring)
f. Genetic variation (differences within traits)
g. Genetic diversity improves chances of
species survival.

5. 4. Possession of a Genetic Program
Nucleic acids carry genetic code (i.e. DNA)

6. 5. Metabolism Metabolism = Anabolism + Catabolism
Obtaining and using energy from nutrients
Anabolism - using molecules for building and maintaining living systems
Catabolism – breaking down molecules
Metabolism = Anabolism + Catabolism

7. 6. Development Changes in size and shape
Growth, maturation, aging, death
Human Life Cycle

8. 7. Environmental Interaction
a. Ecology – organisms interact with the environment
b. Living things respond to the environment
b. Irritability- ability to respond
to a stimulus
Examples of stimuli:
light, heat, cold, sound, vibration, touch, color, pressure, gravity, etc.