The Characteristics of Living Things Biologists use six characteristics to classify something as a living thing. 1. Made of Cells 2. Use and Need Energy 3. DNA that allows adaption to environment 4. React to Changes/Stimulus 5. Reproduce 6. Grow and Develop

The Characteristics of Living Things All living things have these six characteristics. Anything without one of these six characteristics is nonliving. Living things are called organisms. Living Non Living

1. Made of Cells Organisms are made up of one or more cells. A cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living things. Cells = the “Building Blocks" of life.

2. DNA allows for Adaptations All living organisms have DNA Organisms are adapted, or suited, to their surroundings. All organisms have features that help them survive in their surroundings. For example: fish have gills

3. React to Stimulus Organisms react to change in their surroundings. Homeostasis – maintaining a stable environment is a response to external stimulus Any reaction to stimulus is called a response. For example: A bright light may cause you to blink.

4. Reproduce Organisms produce more organisms of their own kind. Reproduction allows organisms to continue living on the earth. Asexual Reproduction 1 parent with identical DNA offspring Sexual Reproduction 2 parents shared DNA offspring

5. Grow and Develop All organisms grow and develop. Living things change, or develop, during their lifetimes. One way organisms change is by growing. Living things may also change in appearance. For example: tadpoles and frogs

6. Use and Need Energy Sunlight is the source of energy for most living things. Plants use the energy in sunlight to make food, and animals get energy by eating plants or other animals that have eaten plants. Consumers eat proteins, carbohydrates and lipids to create cellular energy like ATP and Nucleic Acid All organisms need and use energy to live. Energy is the ability to do work. Metabolism is all the chemical reactions carried out in the organism to make energy and heat

All Living Organisms Require 4 Needs Air - facilitates chemical reaction Water – facilitates chemical reactions Food to provide energy Shelter – to help maintain homeostasis

Cells’ Building Blocks You Eat Proteins- made of Amino Acids - Meat Carbohydrates- Sugars Simple – small molecule -Bread Complex – large molecule- Broccoli Lipids – fats & oils For Cells to make ATP – cell energy Nucleic Acids – Make DNA