Topic 1.

1 Characteristics of Life
Refer to Biology, A Course for ‘O’ Level, by Lam PK; Federal. Chapter 1, pages 1 -
7

1. Nutrition
The taking in of food (feeding) in order to:
Gain nutrients and energy
Materials needed to make living matter (protoplasm) of the body

There are 2 types of nutrition:

a. Autotrophic
Take in simple inorganic raw materials to make their own food (organic)
Requires energy source
Photosynthesis:

b. Heterotrophic
Feed on organic matter
Can be herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, saprophytes or parasites

Includes the processes of ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation,

egestion

Lesson Notes Theme 1 1

Maris Stella High School Characteristics of Life
O Level Pure Biology Topic 1.1

2. Respiration
This involves the breakdown of food substances by oxidation to release energy
and occurs in all living cells.

Internal (tissue/cellular) respiration:

Glucose + Oxygen

Carbon dioxide + water + energy

External Respiration:
Exchange of gases between the
environment and body cells
(breathing)

Breathing:
Inhalation:

Movement of air into the lungs

Exhalation:

Movement of air out of the lungs

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Maris Stella High School Characteristics of Life
O Level Pure Biology Topic 1.1

3. Growth
A permanent increase in size (mass and volume) with the conversion of absorbed
food into protoplasm. This may be for the:
Repair of worn out cells
Adding to original living matter (increase in size)
This may involve an increase in complexity or a change in form.

4. Excretion
The removal of waste products produced during metabolic reactions in living
cells. Many animals have specialised organs for the removal of waste products.

How about egestion/defecation?

Egestion / defaecation – removal of undigested matter.

5. Movement
Locomotion:
Whole organism moves from one place to another in a directed and controlled
way

For animals:
Movements usually for obtaining food, finding mates or escaping from
predators

For plants:
Most plants are unable to carry out locomotion. Why?
Slow movements of certain body parts
Example: phototropism

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Maris Stella High School Characteristics of Life
O Level Pure Biology Topic 1.1

6. Sensitivity (Irritability)
The ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment:
Detect stimulus
Produce response

7. Adaptability
The ability to adjust and adapt to changes in the environment, which increases
the organism’s chance of survival.

8. Reproduction
The production of offspring of the same type/species, which ensures the
continual survival of the species.
This involves the passing down of genetic information from one generation to
the next.

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