Biology: Seven Characteristics of Living Organisms (MRS GREN)

Movement

An action by an organism, or part of an organism, that causes a change of place or position.

Respiration

The chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules, such as glucose, to release energy for metabolism (all the chemical reactions in an organism).

Metabolism

The sum of all the chemical reactions that happen in a cell or in the whole organism.

Sensitivity

The ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment.

Growth

A permanent increase in the size and dry mass of an organism.

Dry mass

The mass of an organism not counting the water in its tissues.

Reproduction

The processes that produce more of the same kind of organism.

Excretion

The removal of waste made by an organism's chemical reactions (metabolism), and of substances it has more of than it needs.

Nutrition

The taking in of materials used for energy, growth, and development.

MRS GREN

An acronym for the seven life processes: Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, and Nutrition.

Life Processes

The seven characteristics that all living organisms share.

Energy Release

Respiration supplies energy for the organism's metabolism.

Environmental Response

Sensitivity covers responding to surroundings and keeping internal conditions steady.

Permanent Growth

Growth is measured as a permanent increase in an organism's dry mass.

Species Continuation

Reproduction produces new individuals of the same kind so that the species continues.

Waste Removal

Excretion removes the waste products of metabolism and any substances the organism has in excess.

Material Intake

Nutrition involves taking in materials used for energy, growth, and development.