Living Organisms
Science: KS3, topic 1.6.1
Living Organisms
To remember the seven characteristics that all living organisms share we can remember the acronym “MRS GREN”.
What does 'MRS GREN' stand for?
- M: movement
- R: respiration
- S: sensitivity
- G: growth
- R: reproduction
- E: excretion
- N: nutrition
Movement and respiration
- Movement:
- Animals are able to move and fly.
- Plants can move towards the light this is called phototropism.
- Respiration:
- Respiration is different from breathing.
- Respiration is a chemical reaction that produces energy.
Sensitivity and growth
- Sensitivity:
- Detecting changes in the environment that surrounds the organism.
- For example, an octopus squirting ink when it feels threatened to the “touch-me-not-plant” or Mimosa pudica that closes up if you touch it.
- Growth:
- Living organisms can create new cells for growth.
Reproduction and excretion
- Reproduction:
- Reproduction can happen sexually (humans) and asexually (plants).
- Excretion
- Removing waste products by going to the toilet or plants excreting via the stomata in their leaves.
Nutrition
- Nutrition:
- Animals can eat to get nutrients and trees can absorb nutrients through their roots in the soil.
Test yourself on Living Organisms
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of all living organisms?
Plants can move towards light. What is this called?
Which statement correctly compares how humans and plants reproduce?