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CH 1 Life Process

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44 views3 pages

CH 1 Life Process

Uploaded by

sallu bhai
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Here are the detailed notes for Chapter 1: Life Processes in Pearson Edexcel (9-1)

IGCSE Biology.

Chapter 1: Life Processes

Living organisms share certain characteristics and processes that distinguish them
from non-living things. These life processes are essential for survival, growth,
and reproduction.

1. Characteristics of Living Organisms

All living organisms exhibit seven basic life processes, often remembered by the
acronym MRS GREN:

1. Movement:
• Living organisms can change position or move parts of themselves. For
example, animals can move their entire bodies, while plants may move parts toward
light.
2. Respiration:
• The process of releasing energy from food molecules (usually glucose).
This energy is used for all other life processes.
• Types of Respiration:
• Aerobic Respiration: Requires oxygen to produce energy.
• Anaerobic Respiration: Does not require oxygen and produces less
energy.
3. Sensitivity:
• The ability to detect and respond to changes in the environment
(stimuli).
• Animals have complex nervous systems to respond quickly, while plants
respond more slowly to stimuli such as light or gravity.
4. Growth:
• Increase in size and complexity due to cell division and enlargement.
• Multicellular organisms grow by increasing the number of cells.
5. Reproduction:
• The process by which organisms produce offspring, ensuring the survival
of the species.
• Types of Reproduction:
• Asexual Reproduction: Involves one parent and produces genetically
identical offspring.
• Sexual Reproduction: Involves two parents and produces genetically
varied offspring.
6. Excretion:
• The removal of waste products of metabolism (chemical reactions within
cells) and other substances from the body.
• In humans, excretion includes removal of carbon dioxide (via lungs) and
urea (via kidneys).
7. Nutrition:
• The intake of materials for energy, growth, and development.
• Types of Nutrition:
• Autotrophic (e.g., plants produce their own food through
photosynthesis).
• Heterotrophic (e.g., animals consume other organisms for food).

2. Cells as the Basic Unit of Life

All living organisms are made up of cells, which are considered the basic unit of
life. Cells carry out the essential processes that enable organisms to live, grow,
and reproduce.
• Unicellular Organisms: Consist of a single cell that performs all life
processes (e.g., bacteria).
• Multicellular Organisms: Consist of many specialized cells that perform
specific functions (e.g., plants and animals).

3. Organ Systems and Their Functions

In multicellular organisms, cells are organized into tissues, organs, and organ
systems to carry out specific functions.

• Tissues: Groups of similar cells that perform a particular function


(e.g., muscle tissue).
• Organs: Structures composed of different tissues working together to
perform a specific function (e.g., heart).
• Organ Systems: Groups of organs that work together to carry out complex
functions (e.g., digestive system).

4. Classification of Living Organisms

Organisms are classified based on shared characteristics into five main kingdoms:

1. Animalia (Animals): Multicellular, heterotrophic organisms that do not


have cell walls.
2. Plantae (Plants): Multicellular, autotrophic organisms with cell walls
made of cellulose.
3. Fungi: Organisms with cell walls made of chitin, which obtain nutrients
by absorption.
4. Protista: Mostly unicellular organisms with a nucleus, including algae
and protozoa.
5. Prokaryotae (Prokaryotes): Unicellular organisms without a nucleus,
including bacteria.

These kingdoms are further classified based on more specific characteristics.

5. Adaptations and Survival

Living organisms have adaptations that enhance their survival and reproduction in
specific environments. Adaptations may be structural, behavioral, or physiological.

• Structural Adaptations: Physical features of an organism (e.g., fur in


polar animals for insulation).
• Behavioral Adaptations: Actions taken by organisms to survive (e.g.,
migration of birds).
• Physiological Adaptations: Internal body processes (e.g., production of
venom in snakes for defense).

6. Basic Biological Molecules

Living organisms consist of complex molecules that support life processes:

• Carbohydrates: Provide energy and structural support (e.g., glucose,


starch).
• Proteins: Build and repair tissues, and are made of amino acids (e.g.,
enzymes).
• Lipids: Store energy and provide insulation (e.g., fats and oils).
• Nucleic Acids: Store and transmit genetic information (e.g., DNA, RNA).

7. Importance of Life Processes


The life processes ensure the survival and proper functioning of an organism.
Without these processes, an organism cannot maintain homeostasis (stable internal
conditions), grow, reproduce, or respond to its environment, all of which are
essential for life.

These notes summarize the essential aspects of life processes in organisms. Let me
know if you need further details on any topic!

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