What makes something living?

8 Characteristics of Living Things
Universal Genetic Code
Grow and Develop
Respond to Environment
Made of one or more cells
Reproduce
Maintain a stable internal environment
Obtain and use energy
Evolve

Universal Genetic Code
All living things store the complex info they need to live, grow, and reproduce in the DNA
Almost identical for every organism on earth

Growth
Every organism has a particular pattern of growth and development. Once organisms are fully developed, cell growth is replacement event.

Respond to their Environment
When an organism detects and responds to stimuli
(a signal which an organism responds) in their environment
Examples
Hibernation
Phototropism
Leaves changing color
Being Chased

Made of one or more cells
A cell is the smallest unit that can carry out all functions necessary for life.
Single Cell Multicellular

Reproduction
When an organism produces new similar organisms.
There are two types
• Sexual (egg and Sperm)
• Asexual (a single organism making a copy of itself)
Asexual
Sexual
Note: Organisms don’t need to reproduce to live, but the do need to reproduce to continue the species!

Maintain a Stable Internal Environment
All organisms need to keep their internal environment stable, even when conditions change dramatically
Keep your body in a balanced state

Obtain and Use Energy
All living things must take in materials and energy to grow, develop, and reproduce.
Metabolism combination of chemical reactions which an organism builds up or breaks down these materials.
Eating drinking breathing and excreting are all part of your metabolism

As a group, living things evolve
Over generations, organisms change over time.
All life is linked to a common origin 3.5 billion years ago