Life Processes

“Living” Vs. “Nonliving”

What makes something “alive”?

Biology

Bios + logos

“Life” “Study”

Biology – study of living things, or, organisms.

Life Functions 8 life functions/processes that classify

something as “living”, or an organism:

1. Digestion 5. Excretion

2. Circulation 6. Coordination

3. Movement 7. Reproduction

4. Respiration 8. Immunity

1. Digestion Breaking down large food molecules to smaller

molecules.

- small molecules can enter cells.

ex: glucose

2. Circulation Transport of materials within an organism.

- brings glucose and oxygen to cells (mailman).

- takes away wastes and carbon dioxide from cells. (garbage man)

3. Movement Voluntary change in position of organism.

- muscular and skeletal systems work together.

4. Respiration Uses oxygen to change glucose into energy (ATP).

5. Excretion “Ex” = out!

Removal of waste products!

- sweat, urine, carbon dioxide

6. Coordination Nervous system and endocrine system send

chemical messages throughout the body.

- hormones are chemical messages.

7. Reproduction Ability of an organism to make more of its own

kind.- necessary for survival of species.

Sexual Reproduction – involves two parents. Asexual Reproduction – involves one parent.

8. Immunity Ability of an organism to fight disease and

foreign invaders.

- produce antibodies and white blood cells.

Homeostasis All life processes work together in order to ensure

maintenance of homeostasis. Homeostasis – an organism’s ability to keep a

stable internal environment (steady-state).

- any change in a life process = bad for homeostasis.

- organisms have control mechanisms to help maintain homeostasis.

Example of Control Mechanism

1. Temp. rises 2. Sweating 3. Cools body back down to

normal temp (98.6).