Life processes

Life Processes All living things are called organisms. Both Plants and animals are examples of living organisms. However, the way we decide if things are living or not is if they are abiding by the 7 life processes. The 7 Life processes:Movement Respire Sensitive Growth Reproduce Excrete Nutrients

Cells Cells are what make up living things.A typical animal cell consists of: Nucleus: Contains all genetic information to produce new cells and controls all chemical processes that take place in the cell. Cell Membrane: Thin skin around the cell. It gives the cell it's shape and controls what goes into and out of the cell. Cytoplasm: Jelly like substance where chemical reactions take place to keep the cell alive. These reactions are controlled by enzymes. Mitochondria: Where respiration takes place, glucose and oxygen changed into energy. A typical plant cell consists of: Nucleus: As above Cell Membrane: As above Cell Wall: Covers the thin cell membrane and is made of tough cellulous which gives the plant cells strength and support. Chloroplast: These contain a green pigment called chlorophyll which absorbs sunlight required for photosynthesis. Cytoplasm: As above Vacuole: Plants have a large permanet vacuole which is filled with a weak solution of salt and sugar called cell sap. It also gives the cell support. Mitochondria: As above

Red Blood CellContains haemoglobinHaemoglobin with carries oxygen/ transports oxygen to the cells and around the body. Has a biconcave shape for maximum surface area to allow more oxygen to be absorbed efficiently. Biconcave shape also allows the shape to become flexible when being transported through the thinnest capillaries. Cells have a thin outer membrane to allow oxygen to be diffused easier. No nucleus so there is more room for oxygen to be carried in the cell. Sperm Cells To fertilise the ovum Have long tails to allow the sperm to swim to the ovum to fertilise. Head contains genetic information and a nucleus and an enzyme to help penetrate egg cell membrane to allow fertilisation. Middle section directly after head contains mitochondria to provide the cell with energy. Nerve CellTransports electrical impulses from brain via the spinal chord to another part of the body. ( From a receptor to a effector) Have a long axon (nerve fibre) to carry the impulse to the target organ. End plate forms a synapse with an effector. Dendrites extend from cell body to make connections with other neurones.