All organisms share certain characteristics. Biology is the scientific study of all forms of life.

An organism is any individual living thing and Living things share the same certain characteristics.

All are made of one or more cells. These are the following characteristics shared between living organisms: All are made of one or more cells. All need energy for metabolism. All respond to their environment. All have reproduction and development.

A cell is the most basic unit of life Unicellular organisms, like bacteria, carry out all of life’s essential functions Multicellular organisms, like buffalo, cells work together to carry out complex tasks

Need for Energy All organisms need energy to carry out life processes. Chemical energy is used by all living things How do humans use chemical energy? Plants and algae? Chemical energy is important for metabolism Metabolism is the chemical processes that build up or break down materials to maintain life.

Organisms must respond to stimuli in the environment to survive All respond to their environment. Organisms must respond to stimuli in the environment to survive Examples: Light Temperature Touch

All organisms have DNA that they pass on to offspring. Members of a species must be able to reproduce During reproduction organisms pass on their DNA, genetic information Organisms have various methods of reproduction

Review What characteristics are shared by all living things?

Knowledge of biology helps you understand your health: food allergies Your health and the health of the environment depend on your knowledge of biology. Knowledge of biology helps you understand your health: food allergies potential effects of obesity effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs cancer brain lungs heart liver kidneys Nonsmoker enzyme levels Smoker enzyme levels