7 Properties of Life

Question 1

ORDER

Answer 1

Organisms are highly organized (contain specialized and coordinated parts)
Even simple, single-called organisms are remarkably complex
In multicellular organisms, similar cells form tissues, form organs, form organ systems

Question 2

Response to Environmental Stimuli

Answer 2

All living things detect changes in their environment and respond to them
For example, plants bend towards light, and bacteria can move toward or away from chemicals

Question 3

Growth and Development

Answer 3

All organisms grow and develop following specific instructions coded for by their genes
These genes provide instructions that will direct cellular growth and development, ensuring that a species’ young will grow up to exhibit many of the same characteristics of its parents

Question 4

Evolutionary Adaptation

Answer 4

As a population of organisms interact with the environment, individuals with traits that contribute to reproduction and survival will be passed down
Over time advantageous traits (adaptations) will become more common in the population
Evolution by natural selection

Question 5

Energy Processing

Answer 5

All organisms use a source of energy for their metabolic activities
Some organisms capture energy from the sun and convert it to chemical energy in food; others use chemical energy in molecules they take in as food

Question 6

Homeostasis

Answer 6

In order to function properly, cells need to have appropriate conditions such as proper temperature, pH, and appropriate concentrations of chemicals
All feedback mechanisms that maintain homeostasis use a negative feedback loop

Question 7

Reproduction

Answer 7

Single-celled organisms reproduce by duplicating their DNA and they divide into two new cells
Multicellular organisms often produce specialized germ line cells (sperm and egg)
Genes are passed along to an organism’s offspring - ensuring offspring will belong to the same species and will have similar characteristics