Characteristics Of Living Organisms

Movement is an action by an organism or part of an organism that causes a change of position or place.

An example is shoots bending towards a source of light.

Respiration is chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism.

Respiration is the chemical reactions in cells that release energy from nutrient molecules, whereas breathing is the physical movement of air into and out of the lungs.

Cells require energy to carry out life processes such as growth and movement, and respiration releases this energy by breaking down nutrient molecules.

Sensitivity is the ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment.

An example in an animal is the pupil constricting in bright light. An example in a plant is a shoot growing towards a source of light.

Growth is a permanent increase in size and dry mass by an increase in cell number, cell size, or both.

The water content of an organism fluctuates and is variable, so dry mass gives a more accurate measure of permanent increases in biological material.

Reproduction is the processes that make more of the same kind of organism.

Sexual reproduction involves two parents and the fusion of gametes. Asexual reproduction involves only one parent and produces offspring without the fusion of gametes.

Excretion is the removal of waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements.

Excretion is the removal of waste products of metabolism, whereas egestion is the removal of undigested food that has not been absorbed.

Carbon dioxide is excreted as a waste product of respiration. Urea is excreted as a waste product of metabolism.

Nutrition is the taking in of materials for energy, growth and development.

Organisms need materials to release energy through respiration, and to provide substances for growth and development.