1(a) Characteristics of Living Organisms

1.1 Understand how living organisms share the following characteristics: MRSCGREN

Movement

An action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place.

2 Examples of ‘Movement’

• Sunflowers turn towards sunlight (phototropism).

• Animals run to catch prey.

• …

Reproduction

The process of making more of the same kind of organism.

3 Examples of ‘Reproduction’

• Jellyfish clone themselves.

• New plants grow from seeds.

• Animals have offspring.

Sensitivity

The ability to detect or sense changes in the environment(stimuli) and to make responses.

2 Examples of ‘Sensitivity’

• Plants grow towards light.

• Humans react to temperature around them.

Control

The ability to maintain a constant internal environment, such as keeping temperature constant. (Also called homeostasis.)

Example of ‘Control’

• Human bodies maintain a constant internal temperature by sweating when hot and shivering when cold. They also control their water levels and pH levels.

Growth

A permanent increase in size by an increase in cell number or cell size, or both.

2 Examples of ‘Growth’.

• Seedlings grow into mature plants.

• Babies grow into adults.

Respiration

The chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules in living cells to release energy.

Example of ‘Respiration’.

• Humans break down glucose with oxygen in cells to release energy (aerobic respiration).

Excretion

Removal from organisms of toxic materials, waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements.

Example of ‘Excretion’.

Plants and animals need to get rid of waste gas and excess water.

Nutrition

Providing or obtaining the food necessary (containing raw materials or energy) for growth and tissue repair.

2 Examples of ‘Nutrition’.

• Green plants make their own food(glucose) using sunlight through photosynthesis.

• Animals consume other plants/animals.

Metabolism

All the chemical reactions taking place inside a cell or a living organism.