1.1

Characteristics of Living Organisms

All living organisms have 7 main characteristics of life:

●     Movement

●     Sensitivity

●     Reproduction

●     Growth

●     Respiration

●     Nutrition

●     Excretion

These can be grouped under the acronym: MRS GREN

Key Definitions

●     Movement:

 An action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place

●     Respiration:

 Chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism

 Metabolism refers to the chemical reactions that take place in an organism.

●     Sensitivity:

 Ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment

●     Growth:

A permanent increase in size or dry mass

●     Reproduction:

A process that makes more of the same kind of organism

●     Excretion:

 The removal of waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements

●     Nutrition:

 Taking in of materials needed for growth, energy, and development

 Development refers to the process by which an organism increases in complexity.

Written by Sahana Venkat