Characteristics of Life

smallest unit of life

any living thing that has all the characteristics of life

process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment

plants use the sun’s energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars(glucose)

process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen.

the movement of molecules across cell membranes without using any energy.

the movement of materials through a cell membrane using energy.

the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration

diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane.

the process during which a cell takes in a substance by surrounding it with the cell membrane.

process during which a cell’s vesicles release their contents outside the cell.

• All living things are composed of cells. • Cells are the basic unit of life. • New cells come from preexisting cells.

Mostly tiny, single-celled organisms. (Bacteria) No nucleus genetic material in cytoplasm

Single-celled/multicellular organisms. (Animal or Plant) Nucleus, genetic material in the nucleus.

• Carbohydrate- Monomer: Monosacharides Function: Energy Storage, Structural Support, communication • Lipid- Monomer: Glycerol + Fatty Acids Function: Energy Storage, Protective membrane, communication • Protein- Monomer: Amino Acids Function: Communication, Transport, Chemical Breakdown of substances, Structural Support • Nucleic Acid- Monomer: nucleotides Function: contains genetic information.

• Cellular Organization- Made up of cells, unicellular and multicellular organisms. • Reproduce- reproduction is the process of producing new organisms of the same type. (Asexual and Sexual reproduction) • Obtain & Use Energy/Metabolism- need energy to grow, develop, repair damage, and reproduce. (Photosynthesis & Cellular respiration) • Maintain Homeostasis- stable state of conditions in the body that are necessary for life. • Pass Along Hereditary Traits- organisms have DNA, which carry genetic information. • Respond to their environment- organisms react to stimuli • Grow and Develop- getting bigger in size. Development is to change in physical form or physiological make-up of an organism. • Evolve- adaptation is the process that enables organisms to become better suited to their environment. Species obtain adaptations through evolution over great periods of time.

Atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism.

Protection, support, homeostasis, semi-permeable

Controls cell activities, contains DNA

Photosynthesis

Breaks down sugar (glucose) molecules to release usable energy (ATP)

Breaks down larger food molecules into smaller ones. Digest old cell parts

Provides support and protection for the cell

produces proteins; smallest organelle