Characteristics of Life

Living things are based on a universal genetic code The code is written in a molecule called DNA

Living things grow and develop Growth is increase in mass Development is change in structure

Living things respond to their environment Organisms detect and react to stimuli

Livings things reproduce Reproduction can be sexual or asexual

Living things maintain a stable internal environment Homeostasis (same state)is a stable, internal condition Examples include temperature, fluid balance (amount of water), and pH

Living things obtain and use material and energy The combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds up or breaks down materials is metabolism

Living things are made up of cells Cells are the smallest units of life

Taken as a group, living things evolve. Evolution is change in a population over time. It does not occur in individual organisms.

Summary! Living things….. Are based on a universal genetic code Grow and develop Respond to their environment Reproduce Maintain homeostasis Use material and energy Are made of cells Evolve, as a group