Biology GSCE - Characteristics of living organisms

Movement

The ability of an organism or parts of an organism to change position.

Respiration

The chemical process that releases energy from glucose

Aerobic Respiration

Uses Oxygen

Glucose + Oxygen --> Carbon dioxide + Water

Anaerobic respiration

Occurs without oxygen

Animals: Glucose --> Lactic Acid + ATP

Yeast: Glucose --> Ethanol + Carbon Dioxide

Sensitivity

Detect and respond to changes in their surroundings

Growth

Increase in size and mass

Growth happens because cells divide (mitosis) and increase in size

Reproduction

Produce offspring

Sexual reproduction: two parents, offspring genetically different

Asexual reproduction: One parent, Offspring genetically identical

Excreation

Removal of waste made by metabolism

Nutrition

Obtaining nutrients for energy, growth and repair

Animals eat food

Plants use photosynthesis

Homeostasis

Living things are made of cells and contain genetic material (DNA)