IGCSE Biology Unit 1.1: Characteristics of living organism

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Define the terms:

1 Movement:

As an action by an organism or

part of an organism causing a change of

position or place

2 Respiration:

As the chemical reactions in cells

that break down nutrient molecules and

release energy for metabolism

3 Sensitivity

As the ability to detect or

sense stimuli in the internal or external

environment and to make appropriate

responses

4 Growth

As a permanent increase in size and

dry mass by an increase in cell number or cell

size or both

5 Excretion

As removal from organisms of the

waste products of metabolism (chemical

reactions in cells including respiration),

toxic materials, and substances in excess of

requirements

6 Nutrition

As taking in of materials for energy,

growth and development; plants require

light, carbon dioxide, water and ions; animals

need organic compounds and ions and

usually need water

7 reproduction

As the processes that make

more of the same kind of organism