All living organisms possess characteristics (the six basic life processes) that differentiate them from non-living organisms. First is metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting food and drink into energy to sustain life. This involves two processes: catabolism, breaking down food into simpler forms that release energy, and anabolism, which is the process of using the released energy to synthesize complex molecules. An example of this would be glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. Respectively. Glycolysis is a catabolic process wherein glucose is converted to pyruvate and energy (ATP, NADH). On the other hand, gluconeogenesis is the process where the liver and kidneys produce glucose from noncarbohydrate sources (Marcin, 2019). The second is responsiveness. It is the ability to detect and respond to changes in its internal and external environment. One example is the closure of the makahiya plant's leaflets when touched. The third is the movement. It is the ability of an organism to exhibit locomotion. One example is the nomads, who move from place to place as the season changes in search of food and water. Fourth is growth. Growth is the irreversible increase in weight, size, or volume. One example is the growth of a child into a man/woman. Fifth is differentiation. It is the process where a cell becomes a specialized one. One example is how our cells become skin cells. Lastly, the sixth life process is reproduction. It is the ability to produce new individuals for the species’ survival. One example is the reproduction of hibiscus or gumamela through pollination.
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Reference
Marcin, A. (2019). Catabolism vs. Anabolisrm: What's the Difference? Healthline, Retrieved September 12, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/catabolism-vs-anabolism#:~:text=An%20example%200f%20anabolism%20is,down%20into%20smaller%2C%20simple%20ones.