What are the properties that are characteristic of all living organisms called?

All objects in our Universe belong to the natural world. It, in turn, is divided into living and nonliving. In order to distinguish one from the other, you need to know the signs and properties of living organisms.

Distinctive characteristics of living organisms

First of all, you should know that living organisms are an important component of the biosphere. Their characteristic feature is cellular structure, the only exceptions are viruses. Cells also contain: a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus. Despite the fact that bacteria do not have a formed nucleus, mitochondria, or chloroplasts, they also belong to living organisms, since they have a number of other characteristics inherent to them. Features of plants include the presence in the cell of a cell wall, vacuoles with cell sap, chloroplasts, and an autotrophic method of nutrition. While in animals there are no vacuoles with cell sap, cell membranes, chloroplasts, or a heterotrophic method of nutrition in their cells.

Living organisms contain organic substances: sugar, starch, fat, protein, nucleic acids. Also inorganic substances: water and mineral salts. In addition, you should know that representatives of various kingdoms of living nature have similarities chemical composition. Also, characteristic features of living organisms include metabolism, including: respiration, nutrition, transport of substances, their restructuring and the creation of structures and substances of their own body from them, the release of final products of vital activity, the release of energy in some processes and its use in others. This also includes reproduction and reproduction of offspring. Development from one or more cells of a daughter organism, as well as heredity and variability. In addition, among the signs of living organisms we can safely write down: irritability and the ability to coordinate one’s activities in accordance with them.

Living organisms are different from inanimate bodies more complex device. To maintain their vital functions, they receive energy from the outside, and almost all use solar energy. Living organisms actively move, overcome resistance, and react to their environment. Many may argue that not all objects of living nature have all of the above characteristics clearly expressed. For example, plants hardly move and the way they breathe cannot be seen with the naked eye. And many animals in captivity lose the ability to reproduce. But, with all this, other signs of representatives of living nature are expressed in them. Therefore, plants and bacteria also belong to living nature and are studied in the biology section. Now you know the main characteristics of living organisms!

Living systems have common characteristics:
1. Unity of chemical composition testifies to the unity and connection of living and nonliving matter.

Example:

Living organisms include the same chemical elements, as in objects of inanimate nature, but in other quantitative ratios (i.e. living organisms have the ability to selectively accumulate and absorb elements). More than 90% of the chemical composition is accounted for by four elements: C, O, N, H, which are involved in the formation of complex organic molecules(proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids).

2. Cellular structure (Unity of structural organization). All organisms existing on Earth are made up of cells. There is no life outside the cell.
3. Metabolism (Openness of living systems). All living organisms are "open systems".

System openness- a property of all living systems associated with the constant supply of energy from the outside and the removal of waste products (an organism is alive while it exchanges substances and energy with the environment).

Metabolism is a set of biochemical transformations occurring in the body and other biosystems.

Metabolism consists of two interrelated processes: synthesis organic matter(assimilation) in the body (due to external energy sources - light and food) and the process of decay of complex organic substances (dissimilation) with the release of energy, which is then consumed by the body. Metabolism ensures the constancy of the chemical composition in continuously changing conditions environment.
4. Self-reproduction (Reproduction)- the ability of living systems to reproduce their own kind. The ability to self-reproduce is the most important property of all living organisms. It is based on the process of doubling DNA molecules followed by cell division.
5. Self-regulation (Homeostasis)- maintaining consistency internal environment organism in continuously changing environmental conditions. Any living organism ensures the maintenance of homeostasis (constancy of the internal environment of the body). Persistent disruption of homeostasis leads to the death of the body.
6. Development and growth. The development of living things is represented by the individual development of the organism (ontogenesis) and the historical development of living nature (phylogeny).

• In the process of individual development, the individual properties of the organism gradually and consistently manifest themselves and its growth occurs (all living organisms grow during their lives).
• The result of historical development is the general progressive complication of life and the diversity of living organisms on Earth. development is understood as individual development, and historical development.

7. Irritability- the body’s ability to selectively respond to external and internal stimuli (reflexes in animals; tropisms, taxis and nasties in plants).
8. Heredity and variability represent factors of evolution, since thanks to them material for selection arises.

• Variability- the ability of organisms to acquire new characteristics and properties as a result of influence external environment and/or changes in the hereditary apparatus (DNA molecules).
• Heredity- the ability of an organism to transmit its characteristics to subsequent generations.

9. Ability to adapt- in the process of historical development and under the influence of natural selection, organisms acquire adaptations to environmental conditions (adaptation). Organisms that do not have the necessary adaptations die out.
10. Integrity (continuity) And discreteness (discontinuity). Life is holistic and at the same time discrete. This pattern is inherent in both structure and function.

Any organism is an integral system, which, at the same time, consists of discrete units - cellular structures, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems. Organic world holistic, since all organisms and processes occurring in it are interconnected. At the same time, it is discrete, since it consists of individual organisms.

Some of the properties listed above may also be inherent inanimate nature.

Example:

Living organisms are characterized by growth, but crystals also grow! Although this growth does not have those qualitative and quantitative parameters that are inherent in the growth of living things.

Example:

A burning candle is characterized by processes of exchange and transformation of energy, but it is not capable of self-regulation and self-reproduction.

1. Living organisms are an important component of the biosphere. Cellular structure - characteristic feature all organisms, with the exception of viruses. Presence in cells plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus. Feature of bacteria: lack of a formed nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts. Features of plants: the presence of a cell wall, chloroplasts, vacuoles with cell sap in the cell, an autotrophic method of nutrition. Features of animals: absence of chloroplasts, vacuoles with cell sap, cell membranes in cells, heterotrophic mode of nutrition.

2. The presence of organic substances in living organisms: sugar, starch, fat, protein, nucleic acids and inorganic substances: water and mineral salts. The similarity of the chemical composition of representatives of different kingdoms of living nature.

3. Metabolism - main feature living things, including nutrition, respiration, transport of substances, their transformation and the creation of substances and structures of one’s own body from them, the release of energy in some processes and use in others, the release of final products of vital activity. Exchange of substances and energy with the environment.

4. Reproduction, reproduction of offspring is a sign of living organisms. The development of a daughter organism from one cell (zygote in sexual reproduction) or a group of cells (in vegetative reproduction) of the mother organism. The importance of reproduction is in increasing the number of individuals of a species, their settlement and development of new territories, maintaining similarity and continuity between parents and offspring over many generations.

5. Heredity and variability - properties of organisms. Heredity is the property of organisms to transmit their inherent structural and developmental features to their offspring. Examples of heredity: birch plants grow from birch seeds, a cat gives birth to kittens similar to their parents. Variability is the emergence of new characteristics in the offspring. Examples of variability: birch plants grown from the seeds of a mother plant of one generation differ in the length and color of the trunk, the number of leaves, etc.

6. Irritability is a property of living organisms. The ability of organisms to perceive irritations from the environment and, in accordance with them, coordinate their activities and behavior is a complex of adaptive motor reactions that arise in response to various irritations from the environment. Features of animal behavior. Reflexes and elements of rational activity of animals. Behavior of plants, bacteria, fungi: different shapes movements - tropisms, nasties, taxis.

Only a complex of all the listed characteristics characterizes living organisms.

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Answer to the first question:
Distinctive characteristics of living organisms.
1. Living organisms are an important component of the biosphere. Cellular structure is a characteristic feature of all organisms, with the exception of viruses. The presence of a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus in cells. Feature of bacteria: lack of a formed nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts. Features of plants: the presence of a cell wall, chloroplasts, vacuoles with cell sap in the cell, an autotrophic method of nutrition. Features of animals: absence of chloroplasts, vacuoles with cell sap, cell membranes in cells, heterotrophic mode of nutrition.

2. The presence of organic substances in living organisms: sugar, starch, fat, protein, nucleic acids and inorganic substances: water and mineral salts. The similarity of the chemical composition of representatives of different kingdoms of living nature.

3. Metabolism is the main feature of living things, including nutrition, respiration, transport of substances, their transformation and the creation of substances and structures of one’s own body from them, the release of energy in some processes and use in others, the release of final products of vital activity. Exchange of substances and energy with the environment.

4. Reproduction, reproduction of offspring is a sign of living organisms. The development of a daughter organism from one cell (zygote in sexual reproduction) or a group of cells (in vegetative reproduction) of the mother organism. The importance of reproduction is in increasing the number of individuals of a species, their settlement and development of new territories, maintaining similarity and continuity between parents and offspring over many generations.

5. Heredity and variability - properties of organisms. Heredity is the property of organisms to transmit their inherent structural and developmental features to their offspring. Examples of heredity: birch plants grow from birch seeds, a cat gives birth to kittens similar to their parents. Variability is the emergence of new characteristics in the offspring. Examples of variability: birch plants grown from the seeds of a mother plant of one generation differ in the length and color of the trunk, the number of leaves, etc.

6. Irritability is a property of living organisms. The ability of organisms to perceive irritations from the environment and, in accordance with them, coordinate their activities and behavior is a complex of adaptive motor reactions that arise in response to various irritations from the environment. Features of animal behavior. Reflexes and elements of rational activity of animals. Behavior of plants, bacteria, fungi: different forms of movement - tropisms, nastia, taxis.

Ticket No. 1

Biology as a science, its achievements, connections with other sciences. Methods for studying living objects. The role of biology in human life and practical activities.

Biology is the science that studies living organisms. Currently, it is divided into an extensive list of disciplines that study various levels of organization of living things ( molecular biology, cytology, morphology, ecology, etc.), different kingdoms (botany, zoology), differing in the subject of consideration (structure, functioning, relationships, etc.) and the methods used. Biology studies living objects built on the basis of biopolymers (proteins, nucleic acids).

Among the achievements of biology, one can note the description large number types of living organisms existing on Earth, the creation of cellular, evolutionary, chromosomal theories, deciphering the structure of proteins and nucleic acids, etc. In practice, this contributed to increasing the efficiency of agricultural production, the development of medicine, biotechnology, and the creation of the foundations for rational environmental management.

Biology is closely related to other sciences and widely applies their methods (geography, history, chemistry, physics, mathematical disciplines, cybernetics, philosophy, etc.).

Methods for studying living objects include observation, experiment (as well as description, comparison, analysis, synthesis, historical method, math modeling etc.).

Today, the role of biology in human life and practical activities is growing. This is due to the exacerbation ecological situation on Earth, caused by population growth, high energy consumption, and worsening social contradictions. Further development and even the existence of modern civilization is possible only in harmony with the environment, which requires deep knowledge and compliance with biological laws, and the widespread use of biotechnology.

The plant kingdom, its differences from other living kingdoms. Explain which group of plants currently occupies a dominant position on Earth. Find representatives of this group among living plants or herbarium specimens.

Currently, the dominant position on Earth is occupied by the department of Angiosperms (Flowering) plants, which are considered the most evolutionarily advanced and determine the species of most modern biotopes. Angiosperms are characterized by the presence of generative organs such as flowers and fruits.

From the proposed specimens, you should select representatives of the studied families (cruciferous, rosaceae, legumes, nightshade, asteraceae, cereals, liliaceae) or classes (monocots, dicotyledons).

Using knowledge about metabolism and energy conversion in the human body, give scientific explanation the effects of physical inactivity, stress, bad habits, and overeating on metabolism.

The human body is complex system, in which all ongoing processes are coordinated and aimed at maintaining homeostasis, the survival of the individual and the leaving of offspring. If some organ systems do not bear the necessary load (do not exercise), this leads to their weakening and the occurrence of physiological disorders and pathologies.

Hypodynamia - reduced physical activity, absence physical activity- leads to a decrease in muscle performance, of cardio-vascular system and, as a result, metabolic disorders and deterioration of the condition of the entire organism as a whole. Unspent on physical activity nutrients are stored, which often leads to obesity. Overeating also contributes to this.

Stress is a protective reaction of the body that allows it to survive in times of danger. Stress mobilizes the body's capabilities, is accompanied by the release of hormones, increases the intensity of cardiovascular activity, etc. In modern civilization, this energy often does not find a natural outlet and is an overload for the nervous and other systems.

Bad habits: smoking, alcohol and other poisons - lead to the entry into the body of foreign harmful substances that poison the body and cause diseases. (It is especially unacceptable to drink alcohol while taking antibiotics or having other stress on the kidneys and liver.) Narcotic substances, participating in metabolism, are addictive, and subsequently the cessation of nicotine, alcohol, etc. is accompanied by withdrawal symptoms - a sharp deterioration in well-being. Thus, physiological and psychological dependence from drugs.

Violation of the daily routine, gambling, and satiety with pleasures deplete the body and, in addition, distract a person’s consciousness from solving pressing problems, physical education, and hinder spiritual growth.

Ticket number 2

Signs of living organisms. The main differences between living organisms and inanimate bodies.

Signs of living organisms:

1. Living organisms studied by biology contain biopolymers: proteins and nucleic acids that determine their characteristic properties.
2. Most organisms have a cellular structure (except viruses)
3. Exchange of matter and energy with the environment: living beings feed, plastic and energy metabolism, maintain the constancy of the internal environment - homeostasis and release waste products into the environment.
4. Reproductive ability: reproduction of offspring that inherit the characteristics of their parents.

The combination of these characteristics distinguishes living organisms from inanimate bodies. The most important difference is the ability to process information received from the environment and respond to external stimulation.

They also note the complexity of the organization, the ability to evolve, and adaptability to the environment.

It is easy to see that many living organisms do not possess all of the properties mentioned (for example, bacterial spores in a frozen state). At the same time, in inanimate nature there are systems that have many of the above characteristics (for example, saturated solutions, cosmic bodies, man-made computer technology and automated systems).

There is a point of view (vitalism, etc.) that the fundamental and fundamental difference living from non-living is the presence of a special substance (soul) leaving physical body after death. This point vision is not popular among biologists, despite the failure of numerous attempts to obtain a living creature from inanimate matter.

2. Ecological (biotic) factors, their influence on the body. Give examples competitive relations in nature and reveal their meaning. How does a person use knowledge about competition in practical activities?

Competition, as an essential factor in the struggle for existence, promotes different specialization (evolutionary divergence of needs), which increases species diversity and the stability of ecosystems.

In practical human activities, it is important to take into account unwanted competition: to prevent fields from being contaminated with weeds and fish ponds with weedy low-value fish species. Particular care is required when introducing new species into ecosystems that may displace valuable native species.

You can discuss the topic of symbiosis here: Mutual influence of species in nature

3. Explain why the pancreas is classified as a mixed secretion gland. How is a constant amount of glucose maintained in the blood? What measures must be taken to avoid developing diabetes?

The pancreas is a mixed secretion gland. It produces digestive juice containing enzymes and flows through the duct into the duodenum (exocrine). At the same time, the pancreas synthesizes the most important hormone - insulin, released into the blood (internal secretion). When the level of glucose in the blood increases, the produced insulin promotes increased consumption of glucose and its conversion into glycogen, reserve substance. After which the excess insulin is quickly destroyed.

With a lack of insulin, a disease develops - diabetes mellitus, accompanied by serious metabolic disorders, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness and death. Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus are injected with insulin into the blood.

In order not to get diabetes, you need to lead an active lifestyle, not abuse carbohydrates, and avoid nervous overload. Prevention diabetes mellitus The inclusion of a grain called spelt and some other products in the diet helps.