1. Characteristics of Life
These SIX criteria must be met in order for something to be considered living:

2. The Six Characteristics
Cells
Made up of Similar Chemicals
Grow and Develop
Sense and Respond to Change
Reproduction
Energy

3. 1. All living organisms are made up of at least one cell
Unicellular = one cell
Multicellular = more than one cell
Multicellular organisms can be organized:
Cells  Tissue  Organs  Organ Systems
d. Prokaryote= does not contain a nucleus
e. Eukaryote= contains a nucleus.

4. The Six Characteristics
Cells
Made up of Similar Chemicals
Grow and Develop
Sense and Respond to Change
Reproduction
Energy

5. Living Organisms are made up of similar chemicals
Examples:
Carbon (C)
Water (H2O)
Hydrogen (H)
Oxygen (O)
Nitrogen (N)

6. The Six Characteristics
Cells
Made up of Similar Chemicals
Grow and Develop
Sense and Respond to Change
Reproduction
Energy

7. 3. All living organisms grow and develop
a. Growth is the process of getting BIGGER 
b. Development is the process of getting more complex (you can do more difficult stuff) 

8. The Six Characteristics
Cells
Made up of Similar Chemicals
Grow and Develop
Sense and Respond to Change
Reproduction
Energy

9. 4. All living organisms sense and respond to changes in their environment
a. The purpose is to make sure that the organism doesn’t change so much that it can’t work properly
b. Homeostasis = ability to adjust to your environment
Examples: “goose bumps,” sweating, blinking/tearing

10. The Six Characteristics
Cells
Made up of Similar Chemicals
Grow and Develop
Sense and Respond to Change
Reproduction
Energy

11. 5. All living organisms are capable of reproduction
a. Organisms can make more of themselves
There are some exceptions!!!
Mule: occasionally 2 species will try to reproduce and the result is a sterile offspring = +

12. The Six Characteristics
Cells
Made up of Similar Chemicals
Grow and Develop
Sense and Respond to Change
Reproduction
Energy

13. 6. All living things require ENERGY!
Organisms will find food and EAT it (heterotrophes) or
MAKE their own food (Autotrophes).
b. Living organisms do a lot of work! We need fuel to do work.

14. Living or Non Living?

15. Living or Non Living?

16. Living or Non Living?

17. Living or Non Living?
Euglena

18. Living or Non Living?
Streptococcus Bacteria

19. Exit Question
Your friend Johnny argues with you about whether a tree is living. He claims that since it does not move it can not be living. You believe it is living. Explain why using the 6 characteristics of life.