1. Characteristics of Life
Characteristic One: Organisms are made of units called cells
Organisms can be unicellular (made of one cell) or multicellular (made of many cells)

2. Characteristics of Life
Characteristic Two: Reproduction
All living things reproduce themselves
Reproduction can be asexual (one parent) or sexual (two parents)

3. Characteristics of Life
Characteristic Three: Based on genetic code
Organisms have DNA or RNA that is a blueprint for creating them
DNA or RNA is passed on to offspring

4. Characteristics of Life
Characteristic Four: Growth and Development
All organisms grow, either by enlarging their one cell or dividing their cells millions of times

5. Characteristics of Life
Characteristic Five: Need for materials and energy
Organisms create and break down molecules to fuel their chemical reactions
The four molecules we use are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids

6. Characteristics of Life
Characteristic Six: Response to environment
Organisms detect and react to stimuli in their environment
Stimuli are internal (like your blood sugar) or external (like plants reacting to sunlight)

7. Characteristics of Life
Characteristic Seven: Internal balance
Organisms keep their internal environment stable through homeostasis
Ex: Body temperature
When you get too hot, you sweat to cool your skin
When you get too cold, you shiver to warm your body

8. Characteristics of Life
Characteristic Eight: Evolution
Populations of organisms change over time in response to their environment
Changes are only significant over long periods of time