Download INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS

1.1 Characteristics of living things Notes
INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS
1. What are the common structures that make up
all living things?
-cells
2. What do you think are the basic materials
involved in the metabolism of all cells?
-Food, water, oxygen and carbon dioxide
3. What do you think happens when the cells use up their food and oxygen
before there is time to replenish it?
--They cells can not function – death.
4. What is histology?
--Histology is the study of special forms of cells and their relationship with
tissue and organs.
5. What are tissues?
--Tissues are groups of similar cells joined to perform the same function.
6. What is Cytology?
-- The study of cells
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING THINGS
A. Living things are composed of cells
The cell is the basic unit of life. Every living thing is either a cell or
contains cells.
What is the function of a cell?
A cell takes in fuel and builds material, transforms energy, grows and
reproduces. The cells of all species are pretty much the same in the way
they are built and the way they work.
B. Living things reproduce, grow and repair themselves
When do organisms grow? Organisms grow when they eat more food
than their body needs for energy. Their body then may change its form by
increasing in size, weight or shape. Give an example of an organism.
C. Living things require energy.
Different organisms obtain their food from different sources. Give an
example.
What is autotrophic?
Autotrophic organisms such as green plants make their own
food through photosynthesis.
What is photosynthesis?
This is a process where green plants use sun energy to make
sugar and starch from carbon dioxide and water.
What is Heterotrophic?
Heterotrophic organisms obtain their energy from eating food in their own
environment.
D. Living things respond to the environment
All organisms react to changes in their environment. This response
allows the organism to use its muscles and nervous system to help it adapt to
change.
E. Living things have a life span.
Old age brings with it certain conditions that vary with each individual.
Low immune systems.
When this happens to enough cells the body starts to die.
Red blood cells (RBCs) are the primary transporters of oxygen in the blood.
White Blood Cells are specialized for the defense and daily maintenance of
the body.
f. Living things produce wastes
The breakdown of substances in the body are eliminated through the
excretory system
Homework Questions
Pg. 17, #1, 2, 3, 4, 5
1. What are the important differences between living and non-living
things?
2. Are volcanoes living things? Explain.
3. Name at least one characteristic of living things that is shown in each
of the following examples: a. A plant bends towards the light.
b. A tadpole develops into a frog.
c. Human lungs breathe out carbon dioxide
d. A blue jay feeds on sunflower seeds.
e. A cat gives birth to kittens.
4. Make a table listing the six characteristics of living things in one column.
In the second column, nest toe each characteristic, suggest a non-living
thing that shows the characteristic. Create using word processing or
spreadsheet computer program.
5.How do scientists determine whether to consider something as an
organism?