Characteristics of Living Organisms

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and their definitions related to the characteristics of living organisms, essential for understanding the fundamental concepts in biology.

MRS C GREN

A mnemonic that represents the characteristics essential for living organisms: Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Control, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition.

Respiration

A chemical process in all living organisms that releases energy from glucose.

Aerobic respiration

Respiration that occurs in the presence of oxygen, resulting in the production of carbon dioxide and water.

Anaerobic respiration

Respiration that occurs without oxygen, resulting in less energy production and varying byproducts.

Excretion

The removal of toxic waste products from an organism's body.

Homeostasis

The process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable conditions.

Thermoregulation

The control of body temperature in humans, ideally maintaining around 37°C.

Geotropism

A plant's response to gravity, causing roots to grow downward.

Phototropism

A plant's response to light, causing shoots to grow towards sunlight.

Nutrition

The process by which organisms obtain food and energy for growth and maintenance.

Asexual reproduction

A mode of reproduction involving a single parent that creates genetically identical offspring.

Sexual reproduction

A mode of reproduction involving the fusion of male and female gametes.

Eukaryotic organisms

Organisms whose cells contain a distinct membrane-bound nucleus, including plants, animals, fungi, and protoctists.

Prokaryotic organisms

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease in another organism, such as bacteria, fungi, protoctists, and viruses.

Saprotrophic nutrition

A method of feeding by absorbing nutrients from decaying organic matter.