Characteristics of life: all living things are made up of these characteristics.Made up of one or more cells.Has genetic material (DNA, RNA).Can reproduce (applies to the whole species).Has growth and development- they change and

grow through their life.Has homeostasis- they can regulate their internal

environment.Can get and use energyCan evolve (change over time).Can respond to stimuli- they respond to their

environment in some way (e.g. plants grow towards light)

Cellular structures and functions prokaryotesProkaryote: A single‐celled organism that lacks a

membrane‐bound nucleus and specialized organelles.

Generally small in sizeLacking a nucleus (DNA is free floating)Simple in structure

Cellular structures and function eukaryotesEukaryote: A type of organism composed of one

or more cells containing a membrane‐bound nucleus, specialized organelles in the cytoplasm, and a mitotic nuclear division cycle.

Generally larger in sizeHas a nucleus.

All cells have:Cell membrane- a boundary between their

internal environment and the external environment.

Cytoplasm- the material inside the cell.Genetic Material- either DNA or RNA.

Levels of Organization (from small to big).Organelles: A subunit within a cell that has a specialized

function.Cells: The basic unit of structure and function for all living

organisms. Cells have three common components: genetic material, cytoplasm, and a cell membrane. Eukaryotic cells also contain specialized organelles.

Tissues: An anatomical unit composed of cells organized to perform a similar function.

Organs: An anatomical unit composed of tissues serving a common function.

Organ systems: An anatomical system composed of a group of organs that work together to perform a specific function or task.

Multicellular organisms: A form of life (an animal, plant, fungus, protist or bacterium) that is made up of more than one cell.

Prokayotes vs. Eukaryotes

Animal vs. Plant Cells

Characteristics of Life