Characteristics of Life

Characteristics of LifeSix Characteristics all living things shareName some living things.

Why are they living?1. Cellular OrganizationOrganism any living thing

Cell basic unit of structure and function in all living thingsUnicellular one celledMulticellular more than one cell

2. Similar Chemical Make UpChemical CompoundPurposeWater

Carbohydrates

Proteins and Lipids

Nucleic AcidsMedium for chemical reactionsCells main energy source

Building materials of cell structuresGenetic Material

3. Energy Use

We use energy for everything!!!4. Response to surroundingsStimulus any change in an organisms surroundings that causes a reaction

Response an action or change in behavior

5. Growth and DevelopmentGrowth means getting bigger or adding parts

Development means there is a change that occurs over the organisms life

6. ReproductionThe ability to produce offspring that are similar to parents

Francesco Redi

Spontaneous Generation the idea that living things come from non-living things

Biogenesis - Life comes from preexisting lifeLouis Pasteur

Strengthened Redis findings that there has to be life to make more life. Living things can NOT come from non-living things (especially after one boils them to death).Needs of living thingsFour Basic NeedsWater

FoodAutotroph - organisms that make their own food (plants)Heterotroph organisms that obtain food by eating others (most)

Four Basic NeedsLiving Space

Stable Internal ConditionsHomeostasis the maintenance of stable internal conditions