Characteristics of Living Organisms
These include movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition. What is the general term for these abilities?
Life processes
What is the basic unit of all living organisms?
Cell
Which enzyme breaks down starch into simple sugars in the mouth?
Amylase
Which biological molecules are the main source of energy for cells?
Carbohydrates
The movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to low concentration is called what?
Diffusion
The ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment is called what?
Sensitivity
Organelles are found inside cells. Which organelle is responsible for controlling cell activities?
Nucleus
Bile, produced in the liver, helps break down which nutrient?
Fats
Amino acids are the building blocks of which type of biological molecule?
Proteins
The movement of water molecules through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated solution is called what?
Osmosis
What term describes the process by which living things remove toxic materials and waste products from their bodies?
Excretion
Groups of similar cells performing a specific function form what level of organization?
Tissue
Which transport vessel in plants carries water and minerals from roots to leaves?
Xylem
Which biological molecules store genetic information?
Nucleic acids (DNA, RNA)
The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy, is known as what?
Active transport
Which characteristic of life involves breaking down nutrient molecules in living cells to release energy?
Respiration
Different tissues working together for a specific function form what?
Organ
Which part of the digestive system absorbs most of the water from undigested food?
Large Intestine
Which type of biological molecule includes fats and oils and is insoluble in water?
Lipids
Which factor affecting diffusion involves the difference in concentration between two regions?
Concentration gradient
Why might defining life solely on these seven characteristics be problematic?
Because some non-living things show some characteristics and viruses don't fulfill all criteria
A group of organs working together for a complex function (e.g. digestion) is called what?
Organ system
What are the small, finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption?
Villi
What test is commonly used to detect the presence of reducing sugars?
Benedict’s test
Name one cellular adaptation that increases the rate of diffusion.
Increased surface area or thin membranes