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Characteristics of Living Organisms (CIE IGCSE Biology: Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award))
Revision Note
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
- Organisms take in materials that can be used for release of energy, growth and development, e.g.
- Movement
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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