Characteristics of Living Organisms and Types of Organisms

These flashcards cover the essential characteristics of living organisms and the classification of various organisms, including eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and pathogens.

What does MRS C GREN stand for in the context of living organisms?

Movement, Reproduction, Sensitivity, Control, Growth, Respiration, Excretion, Nutrition.

What are eukaryotes?

Organisms that have a nucleus and organelles within a plasma membrane.

What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?

Contains genetic material, which codes for proteins, and is enclosed in a nuclear membrane.

What occurs in the mitochondria of a cell?

Aerobic respiration reactions, providing energy for the cell.

What is the primary function of ribosomes?

Where protein synthesis occurs.

What distinguishes plant cells from animal cells?

Plant cells contain chloroplasts, a permanent vacuole, and have cellulose cell walls.

How do fungi obtain nutrients?

By secreting digestive enzymes to break down food externally and then absorbing the nutrients (saprotrophic nutrition).

What are prokaryotes?

Organisms that do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

What is a key characteristic of bacteria?

They are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus but have circular chromosomes of DNA.

What are pathogens?

Disease-causing organisms that can be fungi, bacteria, protoctists, or viruses.

What is a virus?

A small particle that can only reproduce within living cells and lacks a cellular structure.

Give an example of a disease caused by a fungi.

Athlete’s foot.

What is a unique feature of protists?

Some protists have features similar to animal cells while others have chloroplasts like plant cells.