Characteristics and Classification of Living Organisms

Flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to the characteristics and classification of living organisms.

M. R. S. G. R. E. N

Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition; characteristics of living organisms.

Respiration

Chemical reactions in cells that breakdown nutrient molecules and release energy (ATP) for metabolism.

Anaerobic respiration

A different process in various organisms, such as bacteria and yeast, that occurs without oxygen and results in less energy release.

Stimulus

A change in the internal or external environment that organisms can detect and respond to.

Sexual reproduction

The process of making more of the same kind of organism involving two parents, usually leading to variation among offspring.

Asexual reproduction

The process of making more of the same kind of organism involving one parent, resulting in less variation among offspring.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying living organisms into categories based on characteristics.

Binomial naming system

A two-part naming system for organisms, consisting of the genus name followed by the species name.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with cells that possess a nucleus; includes plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus; includes bacteria and archaea.

Monocotyledons

Plants with seeds that have one cotyledon, characterized by parallel veins in leaves.

Dicotyledons

Plants with seeds that have two cotyledons, characterized by a branched network of veins in leaves.

Fungi

A kingdom of organisms that includes yeasts and molds; they can be unicellular or multicellular and are decomposers.

Viruses

Non-cellular entities that cannot be classified into the 5 kingdoms and require a host cell for reproduction.

Decomposers

Organisms, like fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic material and recycle nutrients back into the soil.

Extracellular enzymes

Enzymes secreted by organisms to break down complex molecules into simpler ones for absorption.