Bio characteristics of life

Made of cells

(an organism is made of cells) The basic units of life, cells are the smallest structural and functional units that can exist independently or as part of a larger organism.

Reproduction

the biological process by which new individuals are generated (offspring)

Based on a Genetic Code

an organism has RNA and DNA passed down from its parent

Metabolism

an organism has chemical reactions throughout its body and cells

Grow and Develop

an organism undergoes changes over its life cycle, from a single cell to a more complex form.

Respond to Stimuli

an organism can detect and react to changes in its environment.

Maintain Homeostasis

the process by which an organism regulates its internal environment to maintain stable conditions essential for survival.

Evolve

a gradual change in organisms over generations through adaptation and natural selection.

What characteristics do viruses have

ability to evolve and adapt, have DNA or RNA, and the ability to respond to their host's environment.

What characteristics do viruses not have

not made of cells, doesn’t have metabolism, or the ability to reproduce independently.

multicellular

organisms composed of more than one cell

unicellular

organisms composed of a single cell

sexual

when 2 organisms come together to reproduce an offspring

asexual

when a single organism reproduces by itself

DNA

an essential molecule that carries genetic information necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.

heredity

the process by which genetic traits are passed from parents to offspring.

metamorphosis

the process of transformation in which an organism undergoes significant physical changes during its life cycle

autotroph

an organism that produces its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

heterotroph

an organism that cannot produce its own food and relies on consuming other organisms for energy.

stimuli

Changes in the environment that provoke a response from an organism.

what do living things maintain

homeostasis to regulate their internal environment. Ex: temperature, water (thirst), ph levels

adapt

the process by which organisms change over time to better fit their environment, enhancing survival and reproduction.

independent variable

a factor in an experiment that is manipulated to observe its effect on a dependent variable.

dependent variable

the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment to assess the effect of the independent variable.

controlled variable

a factor that is kept constant during an experiment to ensure that any observed changes are due solely to the manipulation of the independent variable.

how many characteristics of life are there

8

what are the characteristics of life

an organisms must: be made of cells, be able to reproduce, able to adapt, evolve, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, grown and develop, and have DNA or RNA