Lesson 1.1: Characteristics of Living Organisms
IGCSE Biology 0610 | Core Content
MRS GREN: The 7 Characteristics of Life
What Makes Something Alive?
ALL living organisms share 7 characteristics. Remember them with MRS GREN!
Movement
An action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place
📌 KEYWORD: change of position or place
Respiration
The chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism
📌 KEYWORD: chemical reactions, energy for metabolism
⚠️ EXAMINER TRAP: Respiration is NOT breathing!
Sensitivity
The ability to detect and respond to changes in the internal or external environment
📌 KEYWORD: detect and respond to changes
Growth
A permanent increase in size and dry mass
📌 KEYWORD: permanent, dry mass
⚠️ KEYWORD ALERT: Must mention "dry mass" in exams!
Reproduction
The processes that make more of the same kind of organism
📌 KEYWORD: same kind of organism
Excretion
The removal of the waste products of metabolism and substances in excess of requirements
📌 KEYWORD: waste products of metabolism
⚠️ EXAMINER TRAP: Feces is NOT excretion (it's egestion)!
Nutrition
The taking in of materials for energy, growth and development
📌 KEYWORD: energy, growth and development
Keep reading — this lesson marks itself done automatically.