Characteristics of Life

What are the characteristics of life?

1. All living things are made up of cells.

a. Cells are the basic units of living things, that perform all functions of life (nutrient break down, energy production etc).

2. All living things are made up of a genetic code.

b. This genetic code allows living things to acquire the different traits.

c. Genetic code can be of two types: DNA and RNA

3. All living things reproduce.

4. All livings things go through change and evolution.

- Example:

5. All living things respond to their external environment (stimuli).

- Example:

6. All living things need energy.

- Example:

7. All livings things grow and develop.

- This process of growth and development happens by replacement of old cells with new cells.

8. All living things maintain a stable internal environment (Homeostasis).