CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING THINGS

and the Cell Theory

Characteristics of LifeThere are 8 characteristics that distinguish living things from non-living things

When all 8 characteristics are present = organism

Composed of CellsSingle-celled organisms have everything they need to be

self-sufficient

Multicellular organisms have specialized cells (do one job)

Organized StructureLiving things are organized from simple to complex

Use Energy and Excrete WasteLiving things take in energy for maintenance and growth,

and get rid of waste products

Respond to EnvironmentLiving things respond to stimuli detected in their surroundings

GrowIn living things cells grow to a certain size and then divide

ReproduceLiving things reproduce sexually or asexually to

produce offspring

Adapt to EnvironmentLiving things develop traits that give them advantage in

certain environments

Maintain HomeostasisLiving things can regulate their body in order to

maintain internal balance

Building Blocks of Cells✴Atoms are smallest units of elements (C, H, O, N)✴Molecules are made from atoms (H2O, protein, lipid)✴Molecules combine to form organelles (nucleus, golgi body)✴A cell is made of organelles