Professor 2013 Only

Katari Lebron

Student ID# AC1206834

SC160.3.1 Basic Biology

Assignment 3_03

08/25/14

TITLE: Discuss the properties of life, basic chemical terminology, and molecules and compounds of a cell necessary for life.

Biology is the scientific study of life. It’s a subject that enormous scope and increases all the time. Which leads to many questions like: What is life? Or, let me put it to you this way, what distinguishes living things from non-living? Properties of Life: All living organisms share several key characteristics and/or function. Here you will find seven properties of life: order, response to the environment,  reproduction , growth and development, regulation, homeostasis, and energy processing. If we analyze these seven characteristics we realize that it serves to define life. I’m going to start off by showing you what each property represents and the important role it plays in life.

(1).Order. Organisms are highly organized, coordinated structures that consist of one or more cells. Even very simple, single-celled organisms are remarkably complex: inside each cell, atoms make up molecules; these in turn make up cell organelles and other cellular inclusions. In multicellular organisms, similar cells form tissues. Tissues, in turn, collaborate to create organs (body structures with a distinct function). Organs work together to form organ systems. (2).

 Response to the environment. Organisms can respond to diverse stimuli. For example, plants can grow toward a source of light, climb on fences and walls, or respond to touch. Even tiny bacteria can move toward or away from chemicals (a process called chemo taxis) or light (photo taxis). Movement toward a stimulus is considered a positive response, while movement away from a stimulus is considered a negative response. (3). Reproduction. Single-celled organisms reproduce by first duplicating their DNA. They then divide it equally as the cell prepares to divide to form two new cells. Multicellular organisms often produce specialized reproductive germ line cells that will form new individuals. When reproduction occurs, genes containing DNA are passed along to an organism's offspring. These genes ensure that the offspring will belong to the same species and will have similar characteristics, such as size and shape. (4). Growth and Development. All organisms grow and develop following specific instructions coded for by their genes. These genes provide instructions that will direct cellular growth and development, ensuring that a species' young will grow up to exhibit many of the same characteristics as its parents. (5).Regulation. Even the smallest organisms are complex and require multiple regulatory mechanisms to coordinate internal functions, respond to stimuli, and cope with environmental stresses. Two examples of internal functions regulated in an organism are nutrient transport and blood flow. Organs (groups of tissues working together) perform specific functions, such as carrying oxygen throughout the body, removing wastes, delivering nutrients to every cell, and cooling the body.(6). Homeostasis. In order to function properly, cells need to have appropriate conditions such as proper temperature, pH, and appropriate concentration of diverse chemicals. These conditions may, however, change from one moment to the next. Organisms are able to maintain internal conditions within a narrow range almost constantly, despite environmental changes, through homeostasis (literally, "steady state")—the ability of an organism to maintain constant internal conditions. For example, an organism needs to regulate body temperature through a process known as thermoregulation. Organisms that live in cold climates, such as the polar bear, have body structures that help them withstand low temperatures and conserve body heat. Structures that aid in this type of insulation include fur, feathers, blubber, and fat. In hot climates, organisms have methods (such as perspiration in humans or panting in dogs) that help them to shed excess body heat. (7). Energy Processing

All organisms use a source of energy for their metabolic activities. Some organisms capture energy from the sun and convert it into chemical energy in food; others use chemical energy in molecules they take in as food. Here is an example of the seven characteristics of life; as we summarize all this information we see that living things are made of cells and they also reproduce. Cells reproduce by splitting into two. Females reproduce by giving birth. Plants reproduce by spreading seeds. Living things respond to the environment while plants face the sun to get energy. Living things need energy, living things have a lifespan but, they have to die sometime. Living things produce waste, just like our kidneys get waste from our blood; living things grow and/or mature just like childhood to adulthood. These characteristics are necessary in order for us to live and are important in order for us to grow.