Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

1. Introduction to Biology

Characteristics of Life

General Biology

1. Introduction to Biology

Characteristics of Life

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1:25 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

Which of these is not a property of all living organisms?
a. Capable of reproduction
b. Uses energy
c. Composed of multiple cells
d. Responds to the environment

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the question. It asks which of the listed options is NOT a property of all living organisms. This means we need to identify the characteristic that is not universally true for all living organisms.

Step 2: Review the fundamental properties of life. These include: (a) the ability to reproduce, (b) the ability to use energy (metabolism), (c) being composed of one or more cells, (d) the ability to respond to environmental stimuli, and others such as growth, homeostasis, and adaptation.

Step 3: Analyze each option: (a) 'capable of reproduction' is a universal property of life, as all living organisms reproduce to pass on genetic material. (b) 'uses energy' is also universal, as all living organisms require energy to maintain their biological processes. (c) 'composed of multiple cells' is not universal, as some organisms, like bacteria and archaea, are unicellular. (d) 'responds to the environment' is universal, as all living organisms interact with and respond to their surroundings.

Step 4: Identify the option that does not apply to all living organisms. Based on the analysis, option (c) 'composed of multiple cells' is not a property of all living organisms, as some are unicellular.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the option that does not meet the criteria of being a universal property of life, which is option (c).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Living organisms share several key characteristics, including the ability to reproduce, utilize energy, respond to environmental stimuli, and maintain homeostasis. These traits help distinguish living entities from non-living matter. Understanding these characteristics is essential for identifying what constitutes life.

Reproduction

Reproduction is a fundamental property of living organisms, allowing them to produce offspring and ensure the continuation of their species. This can occur through sexual or asexual means. However, not all organisms reproduce at all stages of their life cycle, making it a critical concept for evaluating the properties of life.

Cellular Organization

All living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic units of life. While some organisms, like bacteria, are unicellular, others are multicellular, consisting of many cells that work together. The distinction between unicellular and multicellular organisms is important for understanding biological diversity and the complexity of life forms.

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