Characteristics of Life
Made of Cells Cells are the smallest unit of life EXAMPLES Unicellular – made of one cell Multicellular – made of many cells
Contain Similar Chemicals All cells are made up of chemicals Examples Water (most abundant) Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids Nucleic Acids
Use Energy Organisms get energy from taking in and breaking down materials. EXAMPLE METABOLISM = chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials
Respond to Surroundings Stimulus – signal to which an organism responds to EXAMPLES -Hibernation -Migration -Leaves falling
Grow and Develop Growth = increase in size Example- Develop = change in form during lifetime
Reproduce Produce more organisms like themselves EXAMPLES Sexual – two parents; genetically different Asexual – one parent; genetically the same