atoms

Characteristics of Life:
molecules

A. Hierarchy of Organization organelles

*cells

tissues

organs

organ systems
Above the organism level:
populations communities  organisms
ecosystems  biosphere 

At each step up in organization, new properties emerge B. Cells are the basic unit of structure and function
(emergent properties)

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

- share similar basic design
- approx. 70% water, 15% protein
- use DNA to reproduce

C. Reproduction: Life is continued through heritable

information (DNA, RNA); life comes from life
(no spontaneous generation)

Prior to reproduction, DNA is copied by the cell:

•Prokaryotes= one way transfer of DNA from donor

to recipient
•Eukaryotes= DNA from two individuals combines to
make third individual; new combinations possible

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 D. Take in, use, and transform energy
- metabolism: chemical reactions involved in converting
energy from environment and using it in processes
essential to growth, repair, and reproduction
-use ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as source of all
immediate energy
E. Organisms interact with their environment;
respond to stimuli
Ex:
Cellular responses to changes in sugar levels, etc. in body
Nervous and hormonal (endocrine) responses
Plant tropisms (response to water, gravity, light, touch, etc)

Homeostasis=maintain constant
internal environment, regardless
of changing external environment

F. Growth and Development G. Adaptation and evolution

-irreversible; number of cells, form, function of cells may change Evolution (change over time) is a core
theme of biology, and the main unifying
concept of all life
-variation of individuals leads to natural
selection which leads to evolution
-adaptations may be structural,
physiological, and/or behavioral

H. Movement: basic property of cells

-amoeboid motion, cilia, flagella
I. Water

-muscular systems All living things require water– inside all cells,
surrounds all cells
-helps maintain stable body temperature
-transports materials