Characteristics of Life

1. Contain DNA DNA = genetic code

2 . Need Materials and Energy Metabolism: the way living things build up or break down materials in order to live.

3. Grow + Develop

4. Made of cells Cells: the smallest unit of living things.

Unicellular: organisms that are made of one cell. Multicellular: organisms that are made of more than one cell.

5. Reproduce

6. Maintain Internal Balance Homeostasis: stable internal environment.

7. Respond to Environment Stimulus: the “signal” Response: the “result” phototaxis

8. Adapt + Evolve Evolution: change over time in a population NOT an individual