Characteristics of Life

Organisms - Living things which exhibit all the characteristics of life . If even one of the following characteristics is
missing—the thing you are studying is NOT alive.

1. Organization

a. All living things are made of one or more cells. The cell is the smallest unit of structure and function of
a living thing.

i. Unicellular organisms- have only one cell. Unicellular organisms are the simplest form of life on
earth.

ii. Multi cellular organisms-have more than one cell. Cells of a multi cellular organism are
specialized to perform different functions for the organism.

1. For example, you are a multi cellular organism, the cells of your heart work together so
that your heart can function so your body stays alive.

a. Cells within an organism are organized into the following levels:

Cells Tissue Organs Organ Systems Organism

2. Growth and Development (See illustration at the bottom of p. 10-11)

a. Growth is the increase of cell size or number that enables a unicellular or multi cellular organism to get
larger as it lives.

i. For example, you are probably taller this year than you were last year.

b. Development refers to the changes that living things undergo as they live as their cells become more
specialized.

i. For example a frog egg develops into a tadpole which in turn develops specialized cells that
become legs. Over time, it grows and develops into an adult frog.

3. Reproduction- The process by which one organism makes one or more organisms. Not all organisms
reproduce in the same way

a. Asexual reproduction- unicellular organisms may not require a partner for reproduction. Offspring are
genetically identical to their parent.

b. Sexual reproduction—some unicellular and all multi cellular organisms require a partner. Because DNA
is shared, offspring are genetically different from their parents.

Chapter 1, p. 9-15
Note Table 1 on p. 15 for quick summary
Cardone
 Characteristics of Life

4. Response to Stimuli -- Living things adjust and respond to changes in their environments (external) and
also inside their own bodies. (internal). This keeps us safe and helps us understand and interact in our
world.

a. Stimuli—any change in an internal or external environment

b. Response—how you react to those changes.

i. For example—you haven’t had a drink in a while and it’s very hot out. Internally you are
dehydrated. Your brain responds by making you think you need to drink. You respond to the
stimulus by drinking.

ii. For example—A dog hears a noise on your front porch as the mail man delivers your mail. The
dog responds to the noise stimulus by barking.

5. Homeostasis – A living thing’s ability to maintain steady internal conditions when outside conditions
change. We regulate ourselves in order to maintain a healthy balance.

a. It’s important because it keeps the cells of our bodies healthy which in turn keeps our bodies healthy.

i. For example—If you get too cold you shiver. The shivering generates body heat to keep your
body temperature healthy so don’t get sick or die.

6. Use of Energy— Everything a living thing does requires energy from digesting food to thinking to
breathing.

a. Most living things get energy from eating other plants or animals

b. Plants get their energy directly from the sun.

c. Some organisms get energy from the chemicals within the earth.

Chapter 1, p. 9-15
Note Table 1 on p. 15 for quick summary
Cardone