Which of the following is a major functional characteristic of all organisms? a. movement, b. growth, c. metabolism, d. responsiveness, e. all of these.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: It asks for a major functional characteristic common to all organisms.
2. Review the options: a) movement, b) growth, c) metabolism, d) responsiveness, e) all of these.
3. Consider each option: Movement refers to the ability to change position or location. Growth involves an increase in size or number of cells. Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions within the body. Responsiveness is the ability to sense changes and react to them.
4. Evaluate if each characteristic is essential for all organisms: All organisms exhibit some form of movement, growth, metabolism, and responsiveness.
5. Determine if the answer is a single characteristic or if all are applicable: Since all listed characteristics are essential for life, consider if the option 'e. all of these' is the most comprehensive answer.

Key Concepts

Characteristics of Life

The characteristics of life are fundamental traits that define living organisms. These include movement, growth, metabolism, responsiveness, and reproduction. Understanding these characteristics helps differentiate living entities from non-living matter, as they collectively describe how organisms interact with their environment and sustain themselves.

Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions that occur within organisms. It encompasses both the breakdown of substances to generate energy (catabolism) and the synthesis of compounds necessary for growth and repair (anabolism). Metabolism is crucial for maintaining the cellular functions that support life.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness is the ability of an organism to detect and respond to changes in its environment. This characteristic is vital for survival, as it allows organisms to adapt to stimuli, such as light, temperature, and threats. Responsiveness can manifest in various forms, including movement, behavioral changes, and physiological adjustments.