Characteristics Of Living Organisms. Flashcards
There are seven characteristics of living organisms. These characteristics are often described as life processes: Name them.
MRS GREN is the abbreviation for the life processes:
Movement. Respiration. Sensitivity. Growth. Reproduction. Excretion. Nutrition.
Define movement.
An action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place.
Define sensitivity.
The ability to detect or sense stimuli in the internal or external environment and to make appropriate responses.
Define respiration.
The chemical reactions break down nutrient molecules in living cells to release energy for metabolism.
Define growth.
A permanent increase in size and dry mass by an increase in cell number or cell size or both.
Define reproduction.
The processes that make more of the same kind of organism.
Define excretion.
The removal from organisms of toxic materials, the waste products of metabolism.
For example, animals breathe out carbon dioxide and plants give out oxygen.
Define nutrition.
The taking in of materials for energy, growth, and development.
What do plants require (nutrition-wise)?
Plants require light, carbon dioxide, water, and ions.
What do animals need (nutrition-wise)?
Animals need organic compounds, ions and usually need water.
What controls movement in plants.
In plants, movement happens slowly and on a cellular level.
What controls movement in animals?
In animals, muscles control movement.
What is the word equation for respiration involving oxygen?
Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy released.
What test can be done to see if a living organism is respiring and what is the result of the test?
The carbon dioxide test can be used to find out if a living organism is present, respiring and producing carbon dioxide.
If so, the lime water will change from colourless to milky.
What is stimulus?
Stimulus is when a living organism is able to detect or sense changes in their environment.
