Characteristics of Living Organisms (CIE IGCSE Biology: Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award))

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Naomi H

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Naomi H

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Characteristics of Living Organisms

  • Living organisms share a series of characteristics:
    • Movement
      • Movements are actions that cause a change in the position or location of an organism
    • Respiration
      • The chemical reactions of respiration occur inside living cells
      • Nutrient molecules are broken down to release energy
      • The energy can be used to fuel other reactions of metabolism
    • Sensitivity
      • Organisms have the ability to sense stimuli in the internal or external environment and to make appropriate responses
    • Growth
      • Growth results in a permanent increase in the size and dry mass of an organism
      • This can be the result of an increase in cell number, cell size or both
    • Reproduction
      • Reproduction leads to an increase in number of the same kind of organism
    • Excretion
      • Toxic substances, the waste products of metabolism and substances present in excess are removed from organisms
    • Nutrition
      • Organisms take in materials that can be used for release of energy, growth and development, e.g.
        • Plants require light, carbon dioxide, water and mineral ions
        • Animals need organic compounds, ions and water

Examiner Tip

The well-known MRS GREN mnemonic can be used to help remember the characteristics of living organisms:

  • Movement
  • Respiration
  • Sensitivity
  • Growth
  • Reproduction
  • Excretion
  • Nutrition

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Naomi H

Author: Naomi H

Expertise: Biology

Naomi graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has 8 years of classroom experience teaching Key Stage 3 up to A-Level biology, and is currently a tutor and A-Level examiner. Naomi especially enjoys creating resources that enable students to build a solid understanding of subject content, while also connecting their knowledge with biology’s exciting, real-world applications.