Characteristics of life Flashcards
single celled organisms (ex: bacteria)
unicellular
organic molecules that make the cells genetic material; contains code for what a living thin is and what it does
nucleic acid
the process of becoming larger ( increase in size)
growth
organisms that cannot make their own food and obtain energy by feeding on other organisms ( ex; animals and fungi)
heterotroph
the most abundant chemical in cells; H2O; an inorganic molecule
water
living things
organisms
organic molecules, aka “oils and fats’ used in cells as building matereials and a backup energy source
carbohydrates
a change in an organisms surroundings that causes the organism to react
stimulus
the combination of chemical reactions through which an organism builds or breaks down materials; all of the chemical reactions occurring in the cells of an organism
metabolism
basic unit of structure and function in an organism; building blocks of life
cell
organisms that make their own food (ex; plants)
autotroph
the process of change that occurs during an organisms life, producing a more complex organism
development
reproduction that involves two parents and combines their genetic material to produce a new organism that differs from both their parents
sexual reproduction
maintenance of a constant, stable, internal conditions
homestis
organic chemicals that serve as cell’s main energy source
lipids
