B1 Flashcards
what are the seven characteristics of living organisms?
movement, respiration
define movement
action by an organism that causes a change in position or place
give an example of a movement in plants
plants cannot move from place to place but can direct their growth towards light or down into the soil
define respiration
chemical reactions that takes place in cells that breaks down nutrient molecules and release energy
what is aerobic respiration?
when organisms use oxygen to break down their food and get necessary energy
what is anaerobic respiration?
when living organisms ferment glucose into alcohol and carbon dioxide without the use of oxygen
word and symbol formula for aerobic respiration
glucose + oxygen –> carbon dioxide + water + energy
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
word and symbol formula for anaerobic respiration
glucose –> ethanol + carbon dioxide + energy
C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + energy
what is the energy released used for?
metabolism : all chemical reactions catalysed by enzymes and taking place inside living cells
define sensitivity
ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment
give an example of sensitivity in plants
plants grow towards or away from stimuli/environment (eg. light, gravity, water)
define growth
permanent increase in size - seen in all living things
how can growth be best measured?
measuring the dry mass (mass of a sample when completely dried) of an organism
why should growth be measured through dry mass not just mass
dry mass excludes the mass of water. Using dry mass prevents the measure of the water concentration in the sample that can fluctuate.
define reproduction
ability to produce offspring and pass on their genetic material to new generations
