Nutrition:
Organisms
need to take in and process nutrients for energy, growth, and repair. This
process includes ingestion (taking in food), digestion (breaking down food),
absorption (absorbing nutrients), and assimilation (using nutrients for growth
and repair).
Metabolism:
Metabolism
refers to all the chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain
life. It includes anabolism (building complex molecules from simpler ones) and
catabolism (breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones to release energy).
Respiration:
Respiration
is the process of obtaining energy from nutrients by using oxygen to release
stored energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through a series of
chemical reactions.
Transport:
Organisms
need to move substances (such as nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste
products) within their bodies. This includes processes like circulation in
animals and translocation in plants.
Excretion:
Excretion
involves the removal of waste products (such as carbon dioxide, urea, and excess
salts) produced as a result of metabolic activities. It helps maintain proper
internal balance.
Response:
Organisms
need to respond to changes in their environment to survive. This process is
often coordinated by the nervous system and involves detecting stimuli and
generating appropriate responses.
Homeostasis:
Homeostasis
is the maintenance of a stable internal environment despite external changes.
It ensures that conditions like temperature, pH, and nutrient levels remain
within a narrow range suitable for optimal functioning.
Reproduction:
Reproduction
is the process by which organisms produce offspring. It can be either asexual
(producing genetically identical offspring) or sexual (involving the
combination of genetic material from two parents to produce genetically diverse
offspring).
These basic life processes are common to all living organisms, regardless of their complexity or size. They are crucial for the survival and well-being of all life forms, from simple single-celled organisms to complex multicellular organisms like humans.