CHAPTER 1
The Main Characteristics OF
Living Organisms
MRSGREN
RESPIRATION: Chemical reactions that break down nutrient
molecules in living cells to release energy for metabolism.
NUTRITION: Taking nutrients which are organic substances and
minerals to be used in growth, tissue repair, development and
production of energy
EXCRETION: Removal of toxic materials, waste products of
metabolism and substances in excess of requirements.
Metabolism : means chemical reactions in cells including
(respiration)
GROWTH: Permanent increase in size and dry mass (dry mass
means mass of the organism after removal of all its water content)
by an increase in cell number or cell size or both.
REPRODUCTION: The processes that make more of the same kind
of organism.
MOVEMENT (or locomotion): : An action by an organism or part of
an organism causing a change of position or place.
SENSITIVITY: the ability to sense or detect the change in the
internal or external environment ( stimulus) and to take response.
(Singular is stimulus)
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Dry mass
Mass of an organism after removal of its water content.
How to prepare a dry mass
1. Heat gently in an oven or an incubator at a low temperature
2. about 80-degree Celsius to increase rate of evaporation without
burning the organic matter)
3. After a suitable period of time, leave it to cool and weight.
4. Repeat heating and reweight it until two successive weights
become equal to make sure that it has lost all its water content
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Classification
Classification : living organisms can be sorted into groups on the
bases of shared features in morphology and anatomy.
Morphology : means external features
Anatomy : means the study of the Internal structure of living
organisms.
Organisms are classified into groups the largest group is known as
Kingdom : for example plant kingdom and animal Kingdom
Each kingdom is divided into smaller groups each is known as
phylum :
EX: phylum Arthropoda which is divided into smaller groups
each is known as
Class :
Ex : class insects and class arachnids.
Each class is divided into smaller groups each is known as
order :which in turn divided into smaller groups each is known as
family :which is divided into smaller groups, each is I known as
groups and each
genus : is divided into smaller groups each is known as
species: is a group of organisms which have a lot of
features in common and can breed with each other
producing young fertile offspring.
Examples of species humans ,cat ,and dogs.
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importance of classification:
1. To facilitate the study of living organisms.
2. To facilitate the identification of living organisms.
3. Classification systems aim to reflect evolutionary relationships
The binomial system of naming species
Means giving each organism a name of two words.
The first represents genus it begins with a capital letter.
The second represents species, it begins with a small Letter.
The name is written LATIN in italics, or underlined.
Example: the scientific name of humans is Homo sapiens
Homo represents genus.
sapiens represents species.
Notice
The above system is the traditional system it depends on
morphology and anatomy.
There are more accurate classification systems such as
cladistics which is based on DNA structure.
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The five kingdoms
1.Kingdom prokaryotes (Monera or prokaryotes)
2. Kingdom protoctista (protoctista)
3. Kingdom fungi.
4 Kingdom plantae.
5. Kingdom animalia.
Kingdom prokaryotes (Monera or prokaryote)
prokaryotes are organisms with no nucleus while organisms
known as eukaryotic organisms with nucleus )
Example bacteria
Structure of bacteria
shapes of bacteria
1-Spiral
2-Spherical
3-Rod shaped
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The main characteristics
1. Have no nucleus and no organelles except ribosomes
2. The ribosomes are smaller than the other kingdoms
3. Have circular DNA not associated with protein
4. Many types may contain circulating of DNA called plasmids
5. Many types are covered with a slime couple for protection
6. The bacterial cell is surrounded by a cell wall made of proteins
and carbohydrates forming a substance called murein
7. its cytoplasm contains stored food in the form of glycogen and
lipids .
8. May have flagella (singular flagellum) used in movement
9. May contain chlorophyll to carry out photosynthesis
Effect of temperature
A- In high temperature many types can secrete thick coat around
themselves forming spores to withstand the temperature.
B- In very low temperatures activities of bacteria slow down but
are not killed.
Disinfection or sterilization
kills bacteria and other microorganisms
Alcohol is an example of disinfectants
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Kingdom protoctista (protoctista).
Involve unicellular animals (known as protozoa and
multicellular organisms’ seaweeds.
Cells contain nucleus
Some have cell wall and chloroplasts known as algae
Examples
Amoeba, paramecium
Kingdom fungi
1. organisms with eukaryotic cells.
2. Have cell walls made of chitin and sometimes chitin and
cellulose.
3. Most of them are multicellular but few are unicellular such as
yeast.
4. Never motile (self-propelled or can move by itself) as they
have no cilia or flagella.
5. Body usually made of hyphae (singular hypha) which are
aseptate (means not divided in cells but contain many nuclei)
6. The whole body of a fungus is called mycelium.
7. Reproduce by spores (but yeast reproduce by budding).
Examples yeast, mushroom and bread mould (mucor)
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How a fungus is adapted to obtain its food:
It has feeding hyphae branched in food substances such as
bread in case of bread mold, feeding hyphae provide large
surface area for production of extracellular enzymes that
digest the surrounding food into small soluble molecules that
can be absorbed by simple diffusion and active uptake.
Comparison
bacteria Fungi
Have a unicellular form Formed of thread -like
structures each is
known as hypha and
Have a cell wall made of collectively are
murein called mycelium
Hypha contains many nuclei in
Have no nucleus (DNA without the cytoplasm.
a nuclear envelope
but yeast is a unicellular
There are types fungus)
of bacteria contain bacterio The cell wall made of chitin or
chlorophyll and can carry out chitin and cellulose
photosynthesis.
Contain no chlorophyll and so
Reproduce by simple binary cannot carry out photosynthesis
fission.
Reproduce by spore formation
(but yeast reproduces by
budding)
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Comparison
Yeast Other types of fungi
1. Unicellular 1. Formed of hyphae
2. Reproduce by budding in favorable - 2. but reproduce by spore formation.
Reproduce by spore formation in 3. May be parasitic or saprophytic
unfavorable conditions organism
3. is not a parasitic organism
kingdom plants
The main characteristics of flowering plants:
1-Contain chlorophyll and make their food by photosynthesis
2-Produce flowers for reproduction
3.Produce fruits enclosing seeds
4-Seeds germinate in suitable conditions producing new plants.
5-Organisms with eukaryotic cells.
6-Have cell walls containing mainly cellulose
Examples
Ferns and flowering plants
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Types of flowering plants
1 Have narrow leaves(strap- 1. have broad leaves with
shaped) with parallel veins. network of branched veins.
2. the seed contains two
2 The seed contains one cotyledons.
cotyledon.
3. have main tap root with
3 Have fibrous roots. lateral roots.
4-The number of stomata is 4. stomata are usually found in
equally distributed in the upper the lower surface.
and lower surfaces of the
leaves. 5. floral parts are four or five or
their multiples.
5. Floral parts such as petals are
three or their multiples.
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ferns
1) Plants with roots, stems (called rhizome) and leaves (the leaves of fern
are called fronds)
2) Do not produce flowers.
3) Reproduce by spores produced on the underside of the fronds.
4) The parts that produce spores are called sporangia (singular is called
sporangium
kingdom animal
1. Organisms with eukaryotic cells.
2. Multicellular organisms differentiated into tissues. Often motile can
move)
3. Have no cell wall.
4. Heterotrophic organisms (means cannot make their own food but
obtain it by eat organisms).
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Phylum vertebrate
Definition:
Vertebrates are the living organisms which have a vertebral
(a backbone).
The main classes of vertebrates:
1-Fish
2- Amphibians
3-Reptiles
4- Birds
5- Mammals
Fish
Bony Fish made of bones
Characteristics And adaptation of fish
1. Have streamlined body shape to decrease resistance of water.
2 Covered with scales for protection.
2. Have lateral line for sensation.
3. Have gills for breathing.
5 Have different colors according to their environment to hide from their
enemies by camouflage.
Cartilaginous fish skeleton is made of cartilages:
Made of cartilaginous skeleton.
Types of fins :
Forked
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No forked
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Reptiles
1. Reptiles are land-living vertebrates.
2. Dry scaly skin and the outer layer of epidermis forms a
pattern of scales. This dry, scaly skin helps reduce water
loss.
3. the eggs of most species have a tough, paperlike
4. shell. So, reptiles are not limited to damp habitats, and they
do not need water in which to breed.
5. Reptiles are cold-blooded, but they can try to regulate their
temperature.
Ex. Reptiles include lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises and
crocodiles
amphibians
The main characteristics:
1-Have four limbs.
2-Have moist skin with fine capillaries for gaseous exchange (to help their
small lungs).
3-Have external ear drum for hearing.
4-Their eyes are protruded to be able to see while the body is submerged
in water.
5-Their nostrils (nasal. Openings) are found at the top of the head to be a
able to breathe while swimming in water.
They lay soft eggs in a jelly- like coat that hatch into tadpoles.
(The jelly used to absorb water and swell to act as shock absorber)
7. The male has a dark region below the lower jaw, it is the site of the
vocal sac.
8-Their early stages tadpoles are adapted to life in water as follows:
Have external gills for breathing
Have tails for swimming in water
Have streamlined shape to decrease resistance of water.
birds
The Main Characteristics
1. Are covered with feathers which:
a. Act as an insulating layer
b. Decrease the density of the bird to help in flying
c. Is covered with a waterproof oil in order not to absorb water
2. Have beaks modified according to the type of the food.
3.Their fore limbs are modified into wings
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4. Have tails to control their direction during flying
5. Their ear drums are found deep in their heads
6. Their females lay eggs with hard shells
Examples: eagle, owl and hawk
mammals
The Main Characteristics
1. Have hairy skin or fur
2. Have external ear pinnae or flap
3. The females have mammary glands that secrete milk
4. Have four limbs
5. Have teeth with different types (other vertebrates have one type only)
Example: humans, cats, dogs and bats
Note:
Explain Bats are not considered birds?
because:
They have no feathers
They do not lay eggs
They have no beaks
But considered as mammals
because:
They have hairy skin
They have ear pinnae
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VIRUS
The Main Characteristics
Viruses have many characteristics of livings and also have many characteristics of non-
livings, therefore:
Viruses are considered as link or intermediate stage between livings and non-livings.
It is difficult to classify viruses among living organisms.
- Characteristics like living organisms:
a. Have a core DNA or RNA
b. Have proteins
c. Can reproduce
- Characteristics like non-living things:
a. Have no cytoplasm or cell organelles
b. Do not carry out any function of life except reproduction inside living cells
Diseases caused by viruses
Measles - also called rubeola, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that's caused
by a virus. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough,
and runny nose.
Polio - or infantile paralysis, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. In about 0.5
percent of cases there is muscle weakness resulting in an inability to move.
AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV/AIDS) infection is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
BACTERIA
The Main Characteristics
1. Many types are covered with a slime capsule for protection
2. The bacterial cell is surrounded by a cell wall made or proteins and polysaccharides
forming a substance called Murein.
3. Its cytoplasm contains stored food in the forms of glycogen and lipids
4. A bacterial cell has a loop of DNA without a nuclear envelope (no true nucleus), in
addition many types may contain circular rings of DNA called plasmids.
5. May have flagella (singular: flagellum) used in movement
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Comparison
VIRUS BACTERIA
Smaller than a bacteria - Larger than virus.
- A virus has a protein coat (capsid) - Has a cell wall made of proteins, lipids and
consists of units called Capsomers sugars.
- Has no cell membrane - Has a cell membrane.
- Contains no cytoplasm - Contains cytoplasm.
- Contains no cell organelles - Contains few cell organelles such as
- Cannot carry out any function of life ribosome.
except reproduction. - Can carry out all the functions of the living
- Cannot be found except as a parasite in organisms.
living cells - Can live free or as a parasite.
ARTHROPODS
The Main Characteristics
1. Invertebrates, have segmented body. (Between segments there are flexible joints which
permit movement)
2. Have exoskeleton made of chitin for protection and support
3. Have pairs of jointed legs to facilitate their movement
4. In most arthropods the segments are grouped together to form distinct regions, e.g. head,
thorax and abdomen
The Main Classes of Arthropods
1. Insects
2. Arachnids
3. Crustaceans
4. Myriapods
A) Insects
The Main Characteristics
1.) The body is divided into head, thorax and abdomen
2.) Have three pairs of jointed legs
3.) Have one pair of antennae
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4.) Have compound eyes (few types have simple eyes)
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Adaptation of insects:
Have compound eyes for wide vision (a compound eye is an eye composed of many
units and lenses)
Have antenna for sensation
Are small to hide from enemies
Have different colors for camouflage
Have jointed legs for rapid movement
Have segmented bodies to facilitate their movement
Have exoskeleton for protection and support
B) Arachnids
The main Characteristics :
1.) The body is divided into 2 parts only Cephalothorax (head and thorax fused together)
and Abdomen
2.) Have four pairs of jointed legs originated from cephalothorax. Usually the legs end with
claws for catching preys
3.) Have no wings
4.) Have simple eyes
5.) Have no antenna but a pair of Chelicerae or Pedi-palps which are used to hold prey
Adaptation of Arachnids
Have jointed legs for rapid movement
Have segmented body to facilitate their movement
Have exoskeleton for protection
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comparison
Insects Arachnids
1.Body is divided into three regions, (head, 1. Body is divided into two regions only
thorax and abdomen) (Cephalothorax and Abdomen)
2. One Pair of antenna is attached to head 2. Have no antenna but a pair of chelicerae
3. Three pairs of jointed legs originated from which are used to hold prey
thorax 3. Four pairs of jointed legs originated from
4. One pair of compound eyes (but few cephalothorax
have simple eyes) 4. Usually have several pairs of simple eyes
5. May have wings 5. No wings
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C) Crustaceans
The Main Characteristics
1.) The body is divided into two parts only (Cephalothorax and Abdomen)
2.) Have two pairs of antennae
3.) Have one pair of stalked compound eyes
4.) Most of them are aquatic, respire by gills
5.) Usually have more than four parts of legs (or appendages)
6.) Have no wings
Adaptation of Crustaceans
Have antenna for sensation
Have stalked compound eyes for wide field of vision
May have gills for breathing in water
Examples: crabs, lobsters and shrimps
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D-Myriapods
The Main Characteristics
1.) Are Arthropods (have exoskeleton, segmented body and pairs of jointed legs)
2.) Have head, but the body cannot be obviously divided into thorax and abdomen
3.) Have a pair of legs at each body segment
4.) In millipedes the abdominal segments are fused in pairs so it seems as if it has two pairs of legs at
each segment
5.) As a myriapod grows, additional segments are formed
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