Friday, March 10, 2017

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING THINGS


Category
Observed Characteristics

Flu virus
(virus)
Salmonella
(bacteria)
Sunflower
(plant)
House lizard
(animal)
         Made of up the same chemical substances
Nucleic acid
DNA or RNA
Protein coat
RNA
DNA
Phospholipids
Polysaccharides
Carbohydrates
(cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin)
Water
Protein
Ash
         Composed of a cell/cells
No
Yes (gram-negative)
Yes
Yes
        Require water and a source of energy
No; rely on the energy within the living cell the virus has infected
Yes; inorganic compounds
Yes; from the sun
Yes; heat
         Reproduce and grow
Reproduce only
Yes (binary fission)/Yes
Yes
Yes
         Have limited lifespans
No
No
Yes
Yes
         Respond to surroundings; homeostasis
Yes; No
Yes
Yes
Yes
         Have the ability to move
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
        Repair injuries to themselves
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
        Undergo change over time
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Which of the four (virus, bacteria, sunflower and house lizard) is not considered as a living thing? Give the reason for your answer.

Virus. Viruses need hosts, but until they enter a living cell, they can't do anything on their own. Without a host, they cannot reproduce. 

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