Characteristics of Life CHARGER Johnson 2017 What is

Characteristics of Life CHARGER Johnson 2017

What is Biology? ▶ The study of living things ▶ There are seven characteristics that help classify biotic organisms

Taxonomy ▶ Taxonomy: the classification of living things created by scientists Domains Kingdoms

Made up of 1 or more Cells ▶ Unicellular (one cell) - ex. ALL Bacteria & SOME Fungi and Protists ▶ Multicellular (many cells) - ex. ALL Animals & Plants & SOME Fungi and Protists C H A R G E R

Have a universal genetic code (DNA) ▶ All living things have DNA ▶ DNA passes on genetic information from one generation to the next C H A R G E R

Maintain homeostasis ▶ Homeostasis – a relatively stable internal environment (within a certain range) - (ex. Human body temperature (approximately 98. 6 degrees F)) C H A R G E R

Adapt and evolve over time ▶ Evolution - gradual change in a population of organisms over time ▶ Individuals DO NOT evolve C H A R G E R

Respond to stimuli in their environment ▶ Stimuli - factors in the environment that living things react to (ex. Light, temperature, sound, etc. ) C H A R G E R

Grow and develop/Specialization ▶ Each cell divides to make new cells (cell division) – results in growth ▶ Some cells become specialized and perform different jobs than others (differentiation) ▶ Ex. Neurons vs. muscular cells C H A R G E R

Energy to survive ▶ Uses materials for metabolism ▶ 2 Types of Reactions 1. Dehydration Synthesis 2. Hydrolysis = building up = breaking down Ex: Putting amino acids together to make proteins Ex: Breaking down starch into usable sugars C H A R G E R

Energy to survive Autotrophic - use energy from sun ▶ Heterotrophic – make energy by consuming nutrients from their environment ▶ C H A R G E R

4. All living things reproduce ▶ Asexual - only one parent cell is needed ▶ ▶ No genetic variability Sexual - two sex cells required (sperm and egg) ▶ genetic variability; preferred by nature C H A R G E R