Characteristics of Living Things

Flashcards covering the characteristics of living things and distinctions from non-living entities.

What is the universal genetic code that all living things are based on?

DNA.

What characteristic shows that living things grow and develop?

They grow from a single cell to a multicellular organism or have distinct life stages.

How do living things respond to their environment?

They react to stimuli from their environment.

What is the core characteristic that defines living things?

All living things reproduce.

What type of reproduction do many single-cell organisms undergo?

Asexual reproduction.

Why is sexual reproduction advantageous for many organisms?

It creates genetic variation which increases survival chances.

What is homeostasis?

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

What characteristic allows living organisms to obtain energy and materials?

Metabolism.

Are viruses considered living organisms? Why or why not?

No, because they cannot reproduce on their own.

What is the initial state of multicellular organisms like humans?

They start from a fertilized egg.

How many cells does the average adult human body have?

Approximately 33 trillion cells.

What is the cellular aspect of living things?

All living things are made of cells.

What happens to a cell when a virus infects it?

The virus hijacks the cell’s machinery to make more viruses.

How do living things regulate their internal conditions?

Through strategies to maintain homeostasis.

What is one way organisms respond to stimuli?

Moving towards or away from light or danger.

What do organisms need to break down to get energy?

Food.

What must occur for cells to grow?

Cells must divide and increase in number.

What is a major disadvantage of asexual reproduction?

It produces clones with no genetic variation.

What does it mean if an organism has a metabolism?

It means the organism undergoes chemical processes to maintain life.

In what way do most plants reproduce?

Sexually.

How does genetic variation benefit a population?

It allows some individuals to survive changes in the environment.

What are biotic factors?

Living components of an ecosystem.

What are abiotic factors?

Non-living components of an ecosystem.

What happens to the host cell after it is turned into a virus factory?

The cell ruptures and releases the viruses.

Why can't we treat viruses with antibiotics?

Antibiotics target living organisms and viruses are not alive.

What key trait is absent in organisms like viruses that prevents them from being classified as living?

The ability to reproduce independently.

How do cells communicate changes in internal conditions?

Through regulatory signals that create biological responses.