Characteristics of Life

8 Characteristics of Life and Related Terminology

Metabolism

the process of carrying out chemical processes in the body that convert food (carbs/lipids) and other biomolecules (nucleic acids/protein) into energy and building blocks

Reproduction

the biological process of an organism(s) passing down genes to produce offspring that involves both asexual and sexual methods of creating new individuals

Growth

the increase in size/mass

Evolution

the process by which populations of organisms change their genetic makeup over generations through adaptations to their environment, often involving natural selection

Homeostasis

the ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes, crucial for survival

Made of Cells & Organization

the fundamental unit of life, where all living organisms are composed of one or more cells, and are organized into complex structures

Respond to Stimulus

the capacity of organisms to react to changes in their environment, which can include physical or chemical stimuli

Universal Genetic Code: DNA

stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, contain genes along its length, and made up of adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine nucleotides and determines and organism’s hereditary characteristics

Development

the change in function, abilities, and complexity of an organism through various life stages from birth to maturity

Quantitative

data that focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis

Qualitative

data that focuses on observations, experiences and descriptions

Sexual Reproduction

biological process involving the fusion of two gametes (sex cells), typically an egg and a sperm, to produce offspring with a unique combination of genetic material

Asexual Reproduction

type of reproduction that involves a single parent producing offspring that are genetically identical to itself

Unicellular

consisting of a single cell

Multicellular

consisting of many cells

Gene

the basic unit of heredity, a sequence of DNA that carries instructions for building and operating an organism

Cellular Respiration

the process by which cells break down glucose and lipids (last resort protein) to produce energy in the form of ATP

Producer/Autotroph

organisms that create their own food (glucose), typically through photosynthesis, using inorganic substances like water, carbon dioxide, and energy from sunlight

Consumer/Heterotroph

an organism that obtains its energy by consuming other organisms

Photosynthesis

the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and water, with the help of light energy, into food molecules, producing sugars (like glucose) and oxygen

Chemosynthesis

process where certain organisms produce food using chemical energy, rather than sunlight, as in photosynthesis - crucial for ecosystems in environments where sunlight is limited, like deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Natural Selection

key mechanism of evolution, where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those advantageous traits to their offspring

Adaptation

a trait or characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment