1.1.1 Characteristics of Living Organisms
Characteristics of Living Organisms
- Movement: an action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place
- Respiration: the chemical reactions that break down nutrient molecules in living cells to release energy for metabolism
- Sensitivity: the ability to detect or sense stimuli in the internal or external environment and to make appropriate responses
- Growth: a permanent increase in size and dry mass by an increase in cell number or cell size or both
- Reproduction: the processes that make more of the same kind of organism
- Excretion: the removal from organisms of toxic materials, the waste products of metabolism (chemical reactions in cells including respiration) and substances in excess of requirements
- Nutrition: the taking in of materials for energy, growth and development; plants require light, carbon dioxide, water and ions; animals need organic compounds, ions and usually need water
Exam Tip
Use this mnemonic to help you remember these processes:
MRS. H. GREN
- Movement
- Respiration
- Sensitivity
- Homeostasis
- Growth and development
- Reproduction
- Excretion
- Nutrition
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