Living organisms share several key characteristics, such as the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, metabolize, and maintain homeostasis. These functions are carried ou... Living organisms share several key characteristics, such as the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, metabolize, and maintain homeostasis. These functions are carried out by cells, the basic units of life, which can be classified as prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Movement into and out of cells occurs through processes such as diffusion, osmosis, and active transport, allowing cells to maintain proper balance and function. Inside cells, biological molecules like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids are essential for structure, energy, and the transmission of genetic information. Enzymes play a crucial role by acting as catalysts for biochemical reactions, increasing the efficiency of processes like digestion and energy production. In plants, nutrition primarily occurs through photosynthesis, where they convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. Transport in plants is carried out by the xylem, which moves water and minerals from the roots to the leaves, and the phloem, which distributes food produced in the leaves to other parts of the plant. In animals, the circulatory system is responsible for transport, distributing oxygen, nutrients, and waste products throughout the body. Organisms face threats from diseases caused by pathogens, but their immune systems provide defense. In humans, the respiratory system facilitates gas exchange, allowing oxygen to enter the blood and carbon dioxide to be expelled. Respiration is the process by which cells generate energy, either aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen). Drugs can influence the body's functions, either helping treat illnesses or causing harm through misuse. Reproduction can be sexual or asexual, with humans relying on sexual reproduction involving sperm and egg cells. Organisms interact with their environments, and humans significantly impact ecosystems through activities such as deforestation and pollution, influencing biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Understand the Problem
The passage provides an overview of the key characteristics and functions of living organisms, including cellular classification, processes of movement into and out of cells, the role of biological molecules, and various systems of nutrition and transport in plants and animals. It also touches on reproduction, the immune system, gas exchange, and human impacts on ecosystems.
Answer
Living organisms grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, metabolize, maintain homeostasis, and adapt.
Living organisms share key characteristics such as the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, metabolize, maintain homeostasis, and adapt. These functions are carried out by cells, either prokaryotic or eukaryotic, which use processes like diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.
Answer for screen readers
Living organisms share key characteristics such as the ability to grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, metabolize, maintain homeostasis, and adapt. These functions are carried out by cells, either prokaryotic or eukaryotic, which use processes like diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.
More Information
Living organisms are distinguished from non-living matter by their complex structure and the ability to carry out key life processes. These processes are essential for their survival and reproduction.
Tips
Avoid confusing growth with simple size increase—it also includes development and complexity. Distinguish between reproduction (producing new organisms) and replication (copying cells or DNA).
Sources
- The Characteristics of Life | Biology for Majors I - courses.lumenlearning.com
- Properties of Life – Mt Hood Community College Biology 101 - openoregon.pressbooks.pub
- 1.1 Themes and Concepts of Biology - BC Open Textbooks - opentextbc.ca