Characteristics of Living Things

Made of Cells Cell is the smallest unit capable of performing all life processes. Cells are the basic unit of structure and function of living things. Prokaryotic cells – bacteria, lack cell organelles, no nucleus, circular DNA Eukaryotic cells – plants, animals, fungi, protists. Contain cell organelles.

Reproduce Life only comes from other life (biogenesis)

Grow and Develop Building and increasing cell number This process is directed by DNA which is passed from parent to offspring.

Energy Organisms take in energy and change it in order to perform different kinds of tasks. Ex. Bat uses nectar from plants for energy

Property of Irritability Stimulus – something that causes an action or response from a cell/organism Ex. You put your hand on something hot, and you pull it away.

Homeostasis Maintaining a constant internal environment through positive or negative feedback systems. Negative feedback – systems that tend to maintain conditions. Ex. Body temp, blood pressure Positive feedback - systems that amplify rather than reverse the change. Ex. Labor contractions, blood clotting

Adaptation Organisms must change to what happens in their environment in order to survive. Angler Fish