Characteristics of Living Organisms

Flashcards covering the eight primary characteristics of life: cells, reproduction, genetic code, growth and development, energy use, environmental response, homeostasis, and evolution.

What are considered the smallest things that can be considered alive?

Cells

What four components are found in all cells?

A cell membrane, DNA, ribosomes, and cytoplasm.

According to the transcript, what are three examples of unicellular organisms?

Bacteria, Paramecium, and Amoeba.

Approximately how many cells make up the adult human body?

$50$ to $100$ trillion cells.

How is sexual reproduction defined?

Two cells from different parents combine to make the first new cell of the new organism.

What occurs during asexual reproduction?

One parent can make a new organism by splitting off a portion of itself.

Which organisms are used as examples of asexual reproduction?

Bacteria and hydra.

What molecule contains the directions for inheritance in all cells?

DNA

What is the biological difference between growth and development?

Growth is an increase in size, while development is when cells differentiate (become different) to allow the organism to become more complex.

Humans start as one cell, but later develop into how many different types of cells?

$85$ different types of cells.

How do fungi obtain energy from their environment?

Fungi get energy from dead organisms.

What are two ways a plant responds to environmental changes according to the notes?

A plant seed will only grow if there is enough water, and its leaves and stems grow towards the light.

What is the definition of homeostasis?

How organisms keep their internal conditions stable.

How does a bird demonstrate homeostasis regarding temperature?

A bird’s body is able to keep the same temperature inside despite the weather.

How does the transcript describe the process of evolution in a group?

The characteristics of a group change over time because traits that make an individual more likely to survive and reproduce are more likely to be passed on to the next generation.

Using the antibacterial soap example, why does a population of bacteria become resistant?

The soap kills most bacteria, but those that happen to be resistant survive and reproduce, creating a new population that is resistant to the soap.