Activity 3. Basic Life Processes
Discuss the six basic life processes and your own example for each.
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Differentiation
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The process by which unspecialized cells become specialized to perform specific tasks
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Example: the transformation of a single-celled zygote into a multicellular embryo, which then develops into a more complex multisystem of distinct cell types known as a fetus
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Metabolism
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It is the total number of catabolic (break down) and anabolic (synthesis) reactions in the body. Also, the metabolic rate is a measurement of the amount of energy required to sustain life.
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Example: glucose to pyruvate by cellular respiration
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Responsiveness
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It is an organism's ability to adapt to changes in its internal and external environments
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Example: Moving toward sources of food and water and away from perceived dangers is an example of responsiveness to external stimuli.
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Movement
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Movement is defined as a change in the position of a body part in relation to the rest of the body. It is one of the most important characteristics of all living things.
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Example: Movement includes blinking the eyes, breathing, and eating.
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Reproduction
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The biological process by which new individual organisms – "offspring" – are created from their "parent" or parents. Each individual organism exists as a result of reproduction, which is a fundamental feature of all known life.
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Examples: internal fertilization through sexual intercourse, the production of babies, etc.
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Growth
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Growth refers to the quantitative increase in physical development of the body, whereas maturation refers to the child's genetic and biologic development; both phenomena occur during pregnancy and continue after birth. All organ systems mature, and the majority are finished within the first few years of life.
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Example: the growth of the bones and muscles that occurs throughout life