Six Essential Characteristics of Life (Chapter 4)

Organization

Metabolism

Responsiveness

Growth

Development

Reproduction

six essential characteristics (in order)

Organization

Living organisms have a highly ordered structure

Organization

cells are the basic units, and their internal organization is crucial for function

Organization

Disruption in this characteristic can lead to dysfunction or death.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in the body that involve energy use

Metabolism

Includes breaking down food, synthesizing molecules, and changing molecular shapes

Metabolism

vital for responsiveness, growth, development, and reproduction

Responsiveness

Ability to detect and respond to internal or external changes

Growth

Increase in cell size/number

Growth

Leads to enlargement of body parts or the whole organism

Development

All changes from fertilization to death

Development

includes: growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis

Differentiation

cells become specialized

Morphogenesis

Changes in shape and structure of the body

Reproduction

formation of new cells or organisms

Reproduction

essential for growth, development, and passing on genetic material