9 Characteristics of Life

G

Growth All living things grow There are two types of growth Cell Division: Increasing the number of cells Cell Enlargement: Increasing the size of a cell

S

Stimulus Response All living organisms respond to stimuli Stimulus: Internal or external factor in the environment that causes a response (temperature, light, sound, pain, hunger)

DOGS REACH

The mnemonic by which to remember the 9 characteristics of living things.

A

Adaptations All living things have adaptations, traits that make them suited for their environment Adaptive traits are passed onto future generations.

C

Cells All living things are composed of cells, the smallest unit of life Living organisms are either multicellular or unicellular. Cells are specialized and are grouped by their function

D

DNA All living things contain DNA and have the ability to pass it on to their offspring.

E

Energy All living things use energy in a process called metabolism. Metabolism: the sum of all chemical processes that occur in an organism.

H

Homeostasis All living things maintain a constant internal balance (temperature, water, pH, oxygen, etc.) Homeostasis in the state of biological balance. Many responses are an effort to reach homeostasis. Positive and Negative feedback loops

O

Organization All living things are organized Atoms -> Molecules -> Cells -> Tissues -> Organs -> Organ Systems -> Organism All structures have a function

R

Reproduction Living organisms can reproduce sexually or asexually Sexual reproduction: involves an egg and sperm Asexual reproduction: takes the form of cloning, budding, root propagation, or self- fertilization