Characteristics of Life

Biology - the study of life

Properties of Life

1. Cells
2. Organization
3. Metabolism
4. Homeostasis
5. Heredity
6. Responsiveness
7. Growth

Themes that Unify Biology

1. Cell Structure and Function
2. Reproduction
3. Metabolism
4. Homeostasis
5. Heredity
6. Evolution
7. Interdependence (ecology)

Vocabulary:

Cell - smallest unit capable of life functions (basic unit of life)

Metabolism - the sum of all chemical reactions, metabolism refers to a living organism's ability to consume and use energy (from food or from the sun)

Reproduction - the process by which organisms make more of their own kind

Homeostasis - maintaining stable internal conditions (biological balance)

Heredity - the passing of traits from parents to offspring. The unit of heredity is the GENE - which codes for a trait. When a gene changes, it is called a MUTATION

Evolution - change of a species over time. NATURAL SELECTION is the mechanism by which this change occurs

Ecology - the study of interactions of organisms between each other and with their environment