Characteristics of Living Things

All living things share these 6 characteristics:1. Cells (at least one)2. Ability to respond to the environment3. Reproduce4. DNA5. Use energy6. Grow and develop

Biotic vs. Abiotic

Biotic – living

Abiotic - nonliving

1. Living things have cells

• A cell is a membrane-covered structure that contains all the material necessary for life.

• Organisms can be made up of only one cell (unicellular) or many cells (multicellular).

• In an organism with many cells, cells perform specialized functions. Ex. Nerve cells, muscle cells…

Cell Theory

• 1- Every living thing is made of one or more cells.

• 2- Cells carry out the functions needed to support life.

• 3- Cells come only from other living cells.

2. Ability to respond to the environment.

• A change in an organism’s environment that affects the activity of the organism is called a stimulus.– Ex. When your pupils are exposed to light

• Homeostasis- The maintenance of a stable internal environment.– Ex. When you sweat or shiver

BrainPOP | Homeostasis

3. Living things Reproduce

• Organisms make other organisms like themselves.– Asexual reproduction: a single parent

produces offspring that are identical to the parent• Most single-celled organisms

– Sexual reproduction: Two parents produce offspring that share characteristics of both parents

4. Living things have DNA

• The cells of all living things contain a special molecule called DNA

• The transmission of DNA from one generation to the next is called heredity.

• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) – the genetic material found in all living cells that contains the information needed for an organism to grow, maintain itself, and reproduce

5. Living things use energy

• Organisms use energy (food) to carry out the activities of life.

• The sun is the original source of energy for all living things.

6. Living things grow and develop

• Growth in single-celled organisms occurs as the cell gets larger.– Growth is an increase in size.

• Organisms made of many cells grow mainly by increasing their number of cells.– Development is the change of form of an

organism.

Needs of Life

• Food• Water• Air• Living Space

Biology

•Biology – study of living things

Debate

• Nature Versus Nurture– Scientists have proven that we inherit our physical

characteristics from our parents (nature). They continue to research whether we inherit our personalities from our parents. Some scientists say that where we live and how we are raised are more important (nurture). What do you think is the critical factor, nurture (care) or nature (heredity)? Why?