Biology

Introductory Class

Biology is the study of Life or living things.

The word biology is derived from the Greek words ‘Bios’ meaning life and ‘logos’ meaning knowledge.
Literally the word interprets as the knowledge or study of life.

If one is to study something one must be able to recognise the subject matter. Therefore one must be
able to recognise living things.

Living things are characterised by seven characteristics which are all shown or displayed in the ‘thing’
thus making it an organism or a life form. These characteristics of living things can easily be recalled
using the acronym: MRS GREN. Other acronyms include REMINDR.

MOVEMENT

RESPIRATION

SENSITIVITY

GROWTH

REPRODUCTION

EXCRETION

NUTRITION

The eighth and obvious or the first and foremost characteristic which defines living things is the fact that
they are made of ‘living material’ known as PROTOPLASM

PROTOPLASM is organised into the basic units of life which we know as CELLS and falls into two
categories: CYTOPLASM and NUCLEOPLASM.

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

1. Write definitions for EACH of the characteristics of life listed above

2. State the alternative words which can be used instead of Movement, sensitivity, growth and
nutrition
3. Review chapter1 of the CSEC biology text
4. Complete review Exercise

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