Discuss the six basic life processes and your own example for each.
The six basic life processes include the following:
Metabolism refers to the various biochemical processes, reactions, and conversions that take place in the body to convert and provide energy. This can be categorized into two: catabolism and anabolism. Catabolism involves reactions that break down molecules, while anabolism is a series of molecule construction and syntheses. An example of metabolism is the production of glucose from carbohydrate intake, which is afterward transported to each cell for absorption through the bloodstream.
Responsiveness is concerned with the body’s ability to sense and respond to the changes and stimuli in the internal or external environment. An example of this is the corneal blink reflex, which is a natural response of the eyelid due to an external stimulus like when an object rapidly goes near or in front of the eye.
Movement, as a basic life process, is the motion of the body, including the exterior parts, cells, fluids, and organ systems within. Examples of this are the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, and the chest movement when breathing.
Growth refers to the increase in the number or size of the cells in the body, which occurs when anabolic processes take place at a faster rate than catabolic processes. An example of this is the growth spurt that happens usually at the time of puberty, wherein the child’s height and weight increase due to the growth of bones, muscles, and fats within the body.
Differentiation is the developmental process that unspecialized cells undergo to have distinctive structural and functional characteristics. An example of this is the different functions that specialized cells perform like the neurons, macrophages, and pneumocytes.
Reproduction could mean the development of an embryo into a baby, or the formation of new cells for replacement, repair, and growth. An example of this is cellular reproduction, wherein cells duplicate, divide, and yield more cells for the development of the human body.
REFERENCE:
Body Functions & Life Process | SEER Training. (2022). Cancer.gov. https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/body/functions.html#:~:text=Responsiveness%20or%20irritability%20is%20concerned,stimulus%20and%20responding%20to%20it