Characteristics of Life - 10th Class

Characteristics of Life

• Living organisms exhibit complex structures and maintain internal conditions through homeostasis, ensuring stability despite environmental changes.
• Homeostasis involves regulating variables such as body temperature and blood sugar levels to keep them constant.

Homeostasis

• All living beings maintain relatively stable internal conditions that differ from their external environment, crucial for survival and functioning.

Metabolism

• Living things acquire materials and energy from their surroundings, transforming them into necessary forms for energy and cellular processes through metabolism.
• Metabolism involves two main processes: catabolism (breaking down) and anabolism (building up).

Photosynthesis

• The process of photosynthesis converts sunlight into chemical energy, essential for sustaining life.
• The equation for photosynthesis:
  • 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2, where carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of light, produce glucose and oxygen.

Energy Storage

• ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in living organisms, functioning as a store and transfer molecule for energy.

Decomposers

• Decomposers, also known as detritivores, play a vital role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the environment.

This quiz explores the fundamental characteristics that define living organisms, such as homeostasis and energy use. It focuses on how living things maintain their internal environment and acquire materials from their surroundings. Test your understanding of these essential biological concepts!