Biology & The Characteristic

s of Life

I. Biology Biology is the study of LIFE!

Biology = LifeBut wait…

…what’s life?!

STOP & THINKWhat are some

characteristics of living organisms?

II. Characteristics of Life

A. Composed of Cells1. 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

II. Characteristics of LifeB. Organized

1. Cells – basic unit of life2. Tissues – made of cells that are similar in shape and

function3. Organs – Made up of tissues that work together to

perform a specific activity4. Organ System – Group of two or more tissues that

work together to perform a specific function5. Organism – Entire living thing that can carry out all

basic life processes.

II. Characteristics of LifeC. Metabolize

1. Energy is required for organisms to grow, develop, repair damage, and reproduce. Organisms produce, maintain, and destroy/use energy through their metabolism.

II. Characteristics of LifeD. Grow & Develop

1. Organisms grow in size and number of cells through their life.

2. Organisms develop due to the experiences of their life.

II. Characteristics of LifeE. 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.

II. Characteristics of Life

F. Adapt1. 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.

II. Characteristics of Life

G. Respond to Stimuli1. Organisms can sense their

surroundings and make responses to them.

II. Characteristics of Life

H. Homeostasis1. A stable state of conditions are

required in and outside of the body in order to live.

Consider…How do the class notes

compare to our brainstormed ideas on the whiteboard?

Which characteristics were not written down?

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.

ExampleMRS. 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