1.1 - Living and Non-Living Things Flashcards
What are the key ideas to know by the end of this chapter?
Living things are distinguishable from non-living things. The cell theory unifies all living things. Living things are made up of one or more cells.
What is the cell theory?
The cell theory states: All organisms consist of one or more cells. All cells arise from pre-existing cells by cell division. The cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function in all living organisms.
What are the characteristics of living things?
Movement Respiration Sensitivity Growth Reproduction Excretion Nutrition/Metabolism
Define a cell.
The simplest living structure that has independent existence and can carry out life processes.
What is the difference between unicellular and multicellular organisms?
Unicellular organisms consist of one cell (e.g. bacteria). Multicellular organisms consist of more than one cell (e.g. dogs).
What does movement refer to in living things?
Living things are capable of internal and external movement.
What is respiration in living organisms?
Living things require a constant supply of energy.
What does sensitivity mean in the context of living things?
Living things respond to stimuli in their environment (e.g. light, temperature).
What is growth in living organisms?
Living things are capable of growth which involves increases in both cell size and cell number (via cell division).
What is reproduction?
Reproduction is a process in which one or more parents produce offspring. Cells are capable of dividing.
What is excretion?
Metabolic waste products are removed from an organism.
What is nutrition/metabolism?
Living things obtain nutrients from the environment for growth and maintenance.
What is a non-living thing?
A non-living thing is a material object or a deceased organism that is incapable of carrying out one or more life processes.
Are viruses considered living or non-living?
Viruses are non-living as they are not true cells and can only reproduce when they invade a host cell.
What are the three principles of the cell theory?
All organisms consist of one or more cells. All cells arise from pre-existing cells by cell division. The cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function in all living organisms.
What is the fundamental unit of life?
The cell.
Fill in the blank: The cell is the smallest _______ of life.
[independent unit]
True or False: All living things are called organisms.
True.
What type of reactions occur in the cells of living things?
Life-sustaining chemical reactions.
What is the increase in the size and number of cells in a living thing called?
Growth.
What is the removal of toxic wastes from an organism called?
Excretion.
What are the two types of cellular respiration?
Aerobic Anaerobic
