Homeostasis & Characteristics of Life

Multicellular organisms are composed of a variety of living structures that are formed when cells differentiate. How could the living structure pictured below be classified?

• cell

• tissue

• organism

• organ

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All living organisms share many characteristics necessary for life. For example, all organisms, including both prokaryotic and eukaryotic,…

• have cells arranged into complex organ structures

• must obtain and use energy for life processes

• can use abiotic factors to make their own food

• can sexually reproduce to produce unique offspring

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When a group of cells work together, such as in bones, muscles, or nerves, they are known as ______.

• an organism

• an organ

• a tissue

• an organelle

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There are many criteria that are used to define living things. Living things reproduce, grow, and develop. They respond to stimuli, use materials and energy, and evolve and adapt over time to their environment. What is another criteria used to define living things?

• all living things are able to move

• all living things are complex

• all living things are made of cells

• all living things are intelligent

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All living things must possess certain characteristics. They are all composed of one or more cells. They can grow, reproduce, and pass their genes on to their offspring. They can respond and adapt to their environment, maintain homeostasis, and evolve. Given these characteristics of life, which of the following objects is considered a non-living organism?

• X

• W

• Y

• Z

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The cell theory states that…

• cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things

• all living things are composed of cells

• new cells are produced by existing cells

• all of these answers are correct

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How is homeostasis important to the survival of organisms?

• homeostasis makes organisms grow bigger and taller

• homeostasis makes all organisms hibernate

• homeostasis helps organisms locate food

• homeostasis allows organisms to regulate their temperature

During heatstroke, the body can’t dispose of excess heat. As a result, the homeostatic balance is disturbed, and internal body temperatures can reach as much as 110°. Heatstroke is dangerous to people primarily because…

• blood vessels may rupture

• it causes pneumonia

• cells can’t function properly at high temperatures

• blood pressure becomes too low

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The diagram below shows a T4 bacteriophage. This virus consists of a single strand of DNA enclosed in a protein capsule. Is this virus considered a living organism?

• yes; since the virus contains DNA, it is a living organism

• no; viruses are not considered to be living organisms

• yes; since the virus contains protein, it is a living organism

• no; living organisms must have two characteristics of life, and the T4 bacteriophage only has one

Homeostasis is the process through which an organism regulates its internal environment in order to maintain a stable and constant condition. An example of homeostasis is the regulation of the glucose sugar level in blood through the interaction of the hormones insulin and glucagon. What happens if the body is unable to maintain its blood glucose levels?

• this regulation is unnecessary to the viability or organisms

• diseases, such as diabetes and hypoglycemia, result

• new hormones are created to solve the problem

• the body adapts to a different blood glucose level

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