The six basic life processes are as follows:
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Metabolism - It is the sum of all the chemical processes that happen inside the body, consisting of two phases: catabolism and anabolism. Catabolism is the process in which complex chemical substances are broken down into simpler components for energy use. An example of this is when we digest food. In this, the food we intake is converted into simpler substances so that our body can use it as energy. Meanwhile, anabolism is the process wherein simpler components are combined together to form complex chemical substances. An example of this is muscle building in which our body uses energy to convert amino acids into new proteins that form the muscles.
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Responsiveness - It pertains to the body’s ability to detect and make responses to changes or stimuli. An example of this is our reflex action. When we touch something hot, we remove our hands right away from that object.
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Movement - It refers to the motion of the whole body, organs, cells, and even tiny structures inside the cells. An example of this is swimming.
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Growth - It is the increase in body size that results from an increase in the size of existing cells and/or an increase in the number of cells. An example of this is an increase in height, i.e. when we grow taller.
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Differentiation - It pertains to the development process by which a cell from an unspecialized state turns into a specialized state. For example, stem cells can differentiate into secretory cells of the intestine.
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Reproduction - It refers to either the formation of new cells for tissue growth, repair and replacement or the production of a new individual. An example of this is sexual reproduction, where there is a union of a sperm cell and an egg cell to form a new individual.