1. Biology & The Characteristics of Life

2. I. Biology

3. Biology = Life But wait… …what’s life?!

4. STOP & THINK What are some characteristics of living organisms?

5. II. Characteristics of Life A. Composed of Cells 1. Unicellular organisms are made of one cell. a. Examples : Bacteria and protozoa 2. Multicellular organisms are made of many cells. These cells have specialized functions within an organism. a. Examples: Plants and animals

6. II. Characteristics of Life B. Organized 1. Cells – basic unit of life 2. Tissues – made of cells that are similar in shape and function 3. Organs – Made up of tissues that work together to perform a specific activity 4. Organ System – Group of two or more tissues that work together to perform a specific function 5. Organism – Entire living thing that can carry out all basic life processes.

7. II. Characteristics of Life C. Metabolize 1. Energy is required for organisms to grow, develop, repair damage, and reproduce. Organisms produce, maintain, and destroy/use energy through their metabolism.

8. II. Characteristics of Life D. Grow & Develop 1. Organisms grow in size and number of cells through their life. 2. Organisms develop due to the experiences of their life.

9. II. Characteristics of Life E. Reproduce 1. Asexual reproduction is when a single parent organism reproduces a new organism by itself. 2. Sexual reproduction is when two parents reproduce by contributing genetic material to their offspring. That involves the combination of male and female sex cells – called gametes.

10. II. Characteristics of Life F. Adapt 1. Organisms adapt to their environment through evolution – the process that enables organisms to become better suited for their environment. Evolution occurs over time and many generations.

11. II. Characteristics of Life G. Respond to Stimuli 1. Organisms can sense their surroundings and make responses to them.

12. II. Characteristics of Life H. Homeostasis 1. A stable state of conditions are required in and outside of the body in order to live.

13. Consider… How do the class notes compare to our brainstormed ideas on the whiteboard? Which characteristics were not written down?

14. Think… Take 5 minutes to quietly create a mnemonic device to remember the eight characteristics of life. Please write it on your notes. Share your idea with a partner. Vote on which you believe is better/easier to remember. Be prepared to SHARE with the class.

15. Example MRS. Dutka Rode On the Appalachian with Cinnamon, the Horse. M=metabolize RS=respond to stimuli D=grow/develop R=reproduce O=organize A=adapt C= cells H=homeostasis