Characteristics of Life
Name at least 5 characteristics of life (or the descriptions) that we discussed in class
metabolism, made of cells, genetic material, can reproduce, movement/growth, homeostasis, respond to stimuli, adapt to environment/evolution
Is a bike living? If yes, explain how it demonstrates each characteristics. If no, explain one characteristic it is missing.
No. Bikes are missing: made of cells, genetic material, reproduction, homeostasis, metabolism, adapt environment/evolution
Are viruses living?
No they lack some of the characteristics of life.
What characteristics of life does a thing need in order to be considered living?
All of them (metabolism, made of cells, genetic material, can reproduce, movement/growth, homeostasis, respond to stimuli, adapt to environment)
Is a cloud living? If yes, explain how it demonstrates each characteristics. If no, explain one characteristic it is missing.
No. It is missing: made of cells, genetic material, metabolism, homeostasis, adapts to the environment/evolution
What characteristics of life do viruses lack? (at least 2)
Viruses don't have the characteristics of metabolism, made of cells, and homeostasis, so they are not considered living.
What molecules are considered genetic material?
DNA and RNA
A classmate is trying to tell you that cars are living because they use energy, maintain homestasis, respond to stimuli with driver assist, move, and every year the new model of a car is a bit different than the year before which is evolution. Explain to them what they are forgetting about what some thing needs to be living.
Cars aren't made of cells and they don't have DNA or RNA. They also don't reproduce (asexually or sexually).
Give 2 examples of things that make viruses seem living.
They invade cells. They reproduce. They have genetic material. They can evolve and change over time. They use cell resources.
What does homeostasis mean?
An organism regulating itself or staying balanced (ex. sweating or shivering to maintain temperature)
Are trees living? If yes, explain how it demonstrates each characteristics. If no, explain one characteristic it is missing.
They are made of plant cells. Their cells have DNA. They reproduce (pollen & flowers). They grow bigger. They use energy. They maintain balance in their cells and as an organism by taking up fluids, releasing O2 etc. Trees can evolve over years. Trees grow based on the amount of resources they have available (stimuli).
Describe one of the main differences between viruses and bacteria.
Viruses are much smaller than bacteria. Bacteria are made of cells and viruses are not. Viruses are made of proteins.
What is the difference between responding to stimuli and adapting to the environment/evolution?
Responding to stimuli is quick and in the moment. Adapting to the environment/evolution takes longer and occurs over many generations of an organism