Characteristics of Living Organisms Video Lecture | Biology for Grade 11

Ans. Living organisms possess several characteristics that distinguish them from non-living things. These characteristics include: - Cellular organization: Living organisms are made up of one or more cells, which are considered the basic units of life. - Metabolism: Living organisms have the ability to acquire and utilize energy to carry out their life processes. - Homeostasis: They can regulate their internal environment to maintain a stable and balanced state. - Growth and development: Living organisms can undergo growth, increasing in size and complexity, and develop through different life stages. - Reproduction: They have the ability to produce offspring, either sexually or asexually, ensuring the continuity of their species.

Ans. Cellular organization refers to the fact that living organisms are composed of one or more cells. Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life. They are responsible for carrying out all the necessary processes to maintain life, such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Cells can vary in size, shape, and function, depending on the organism. For example, humans are multicellular organisms composed of trillions of cells, while bacteria are unicellular organisms consisting of a single cell. The cellular organization allows living organisms to perform complex tasks by dividing different functions among specialized cells.

Ans. Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur within living organisms to acquire, transform, and utilize energy. It is a fundamental characteristic of living organisms and plays a crucial role in their survival. Metabolism allows organisms to obtain energy from their surroundings, break down nutrients, synthesize molecules needed for growth and repair, and eliminate waste products. Through metabolic processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, and digestion, living organisms can maintain the necessary energy levels to carry out their life functions. Metabolism also enables organisms to adapt to their environment and respond to changes in their surroundings.

Ans. Homeostasis is the ability of living organisms to maintain a stable and balanced internal environment despite changes in the external environment. It is essential for the proper functioning of cells and the overall survival of organisms. Living organisms achieve homeostasis through various mechanisms. For example, in humans, the body regulates its temperature through sweating or shivering to maintain a constant internal temperature. The body also regulates blood sugar levels, pH balance, and water balance through feedback mechanisms. These mechanisms involve the coordination of different organ systems and physiological processes to ensure that the internal conditions remain within a narrow range suitable for life.

Ans. Reproduction is the process by which living organisms produce offspring, ensuring the continuation of their species. There are two main forms of reproduction: sexual and asexual. - Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes (reproductive cells) from two parents to produce genetically diverse offspring. This process usually requires the involvement of specialized reproductive organs and the exchange of genetic material through meiosis. - Asexual reproduction, on the other hand, involves the production of offspring without the involvement of gametes or the fusion of genetic material. It can occur through various methods such as binary fission, budding, fragmentation, or vegetative propagation. Asexual reproduction results in genetically identical offspring or clones of the parent organism. The specific reproductive methods employed by living organisms depend on their species and evolutionary adaptations.