1. Characteristics of Life

2. Made of Cells Cells are the smallest unit of life EXAMPLES
Unicellular – made of one cell
Multicellular – made of many cells

3. Contain Similar Chemicals
All cells are made up of chemicals
Examples
Water (most abundant)
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Lipids
Nucleic Acids

4. Use Energy
Organisms get energy from taking in and breaking down materials.
EXAMPLE
METABOLISM = chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials

5. Respond to Surroundings
Stimulus – signal to which an organism responds to
EXAMPLES
-Hibernation
-Migration
-Leaves falling

6. Grow and Develop Growth = increase in size Example-
Develop = change in form during lifetime

7. Reproduce Produce more organisms like themselves EXAMPLES
Sexual – two parents; genetically different
Asexual – one parent; genetically the same