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Discuss the six basic life processes and give your own example for each
Metabolism - This is the sum of the chemical processes that take place in the body. Two forms of metabolism include catabolism and anabolism. Catabolism is when complex chemical substances are broken down into simpler substances. The results can be absorbed by the body. Anabolism builds more complex substances by collecting simpler components. An example of anabolism would be if the liver and kidneys produce glucose from noncarbohydrate sources.
Responsiveness - This is the body’s ability to respond to detect and respond to stimulus. This is its way to respond with the environment for protection and for interaction. For example, when you cook your body can feel the heat of a nearby flame and it will send warnings for you to avoid it so that you don’t get burnt.
Movement - this is the motion of every aspect of your body. This includes your arms and legs and up until the tiniest cell into your body. An example of this would be when you flex your body to stretch.
Growth - this is the increase in body size that comes from an increase in the size of existing cells, the amount of existing cells, or both. For example, humans grow taller as they get older.
Differentiation - this is the development of a cell from an undifferentiated to a specialized state. An example of this could be when a stem cell could branch out and turn into a nerve cell.
Reproduction - this could mean the formation of new cells or the creation of a new person. For growth and development to happen, cellular division must first occur. This is divided into mitosis (the division of somatic cells) and meiosis (the division of sex cells). An example of meiosis is when a chromosome reduces from its original state as a double cell into a single cell.
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