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Characteristics of Living OrganismsCambridge IGCSE Biology: Flashcards

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Define movement in the context of living organisms.

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Define movement in the context of living organisms.
Movement is an action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place.
What is respiration?
Respiration is the chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism.
Define sensitivity as a characteristic of living organisms.
Sensitivity is the ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment.
What is growth in living organisms?
Growth is a permanent increase in size and dry mass.
Define reproduction.
Reproduction is the processes that make more of the same kind of organism.
What is excretion?
Excretion is the removal of the waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements.
Define nutrition.
Nutrition is the taking in of materials for energy, growth and development.
Why is movement considered a characteristic of living organisms?
Movement is a characteristic of living organisms because organisms or their parts change position or place in response to their environment or internal needs.
Explain the relationship between respiration and metabolism.
Respiration breaks down nutrient molecules in cells to release energy, which is then used to power metabolic reactions and life processes.
How does sensitivity enable organisms to survive?
Sensitivity allows organisms to detect changes in their environment and respond appropriately, enabling them to avoid danger and seek favourable conditions.
Why is growth defined as a permanent increase in dry mass rather than total mass?
Dry mass is used because it represents actual living material; total mass includes water which fluctuates and is not a permanent increase in the organism's structure.
Name two types of reproduction in living organisms.
Asexual reproduction (producing genetically identical offspring from one parent) and sexual reproduction (producing genetically varied offspring from two parents).
What is the difference between excretion and egestion?
Excretion removes waste products from metabolism; egestion removes undigested food material that was never absorbed into cells.
State three reasons why nutrition is essential for living organisms.
Nutrition provides energy for respiration, materials for growth and development, and materials for repair and maintenance of body structures.
List all seven characteristics of living organisms.
Movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition (MRS GREN).