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1. Life definition

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5 views1 page

1. Life definition

Uploaded by

dzwfps
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Life can be defined as a condition that distinguishes living organisms from inanimate matter,

characterized by the ability to grow, reproduce, undergo metabolism, respond to stimuli, adapt to
the environment, and maintain homeostasis. It is a fundamental concept in biology, and while life
can be complex to define universally, living organisms exhibit a set of core characteristics that
separate them from non-living entities.
Key Characteristics of Life:
1. Organization:
o Living organisms are highly organized, consisting of one or more cells, which are the
basic units of life. In multicellular organisms, cells are organized into tissues, organs,
and systems that perform specific functions.
2. Metabolism:
o Life requires energy to maintain structure and function. Metabolism includes all
chemical processes in living organisms, allowing them to convert food or sunlight into
usable energy, and synthesize necessary biomolecules.
3. Growth and Development:
o Organisms grow and develop over time, increasing in size and complexity. Growth
occurs as a result of cell division and enlargement, while development refers to changes
in form and function over an organism's life cycle.
4. Reproduction:
o Living organisms have the ability to reproduce, either sexually or asexually, to create
new individuals, ensuring the continuation of their species.
5. Response to Stimuli:
o Life responds to environmental changes, such as light, temperature, or physical touch.
Organisms exhibit movement, behavior changes, or physiological reactions to stimuli to
survive and thrive.
6. Homeostasis:
o Organisms maintain a stable internal environment, regulating factors such as
temperature, pH, and fluid balance, to ensure proper functioning.
7. Adaptation and Evolution:
o Over generations, living organisms evolve through natural selection, allowing them to
adapt to their environments. Genetic changes accumulate, resulting in the diversity of
life forms we see today.
8. Complex Chemistry:
o Life is based on complex biochemical reactions, involving molecules such as proteins,
nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), lipids, and carbohydrates, which are crucial for carrying out
life processes.

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