Chapter 6, Problem S1.1BYB

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The relationship between energy and the basic characteristics of life.

Introduction:

The energy is defined as the capacity to perform a task. All the living organism/cells require energy to perform the basic functions of the life.

Explanation of Solution

Energy:

The sun is the major source of energy for organisms and the ecosystems. Producers use energy from sunlight to make food. Cells need energy in order to survive. This energy is used to perform functions such as growth, maintaining balance, repair, reproduction, movement, and defense. This means all living organisms must obtain and use energy to live.

There are seven metabolic functions which make difference between living organisms and non-living organisms.

1. Respiration
Respiration is the release of energy from food substances in all living cells. Living things break down food within their cells to release energy for normal metabolic activity.
2. Nutrition
Living things take in materials from their surroundings that they use for growth or to provide energy. Nutrition is the process by which organisms obtain energy and raw materials from nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
3. Excretion
All living things excrete. As a result of the many chemical reactions occurring in cells, they have to get rid of waste products which might poison the cells. Excretion is defined as the removal of toxic materials, the waste products of metabolism and substances in excess from the body of an organism.
4. Growth
Growth is seen in all living things. It involves using food to produce new cells. The permanent increase in cell number and size is termed growth.
5. Movements
All living things follow a specific pattern of movement. This may be observable, such as animals that are able to walk, or less observable, such as tropism in plants. The movement may be so slow, that it is very difficult to see.
6. Sensitivity
All living things are able to sense and respond to stimuli around them such as light, temperature, water, gravity, and chemical substances.
7. Reproductions
All living organisms have the ability to produce progeny. Only living organisms possess all of these characteristics.

Conclusion

All living organisms share the basic properties of life that are energy, which categorizes them as living and non-living beings. Energy is needed for the function of movement and standard metabolism.