Key Life Processes of Organisms

Nutrition – the process of obtaining nutrients such as minerals and water which are needed

for growth and development. Respiration – organisms release energy from their food. Excretion – organisms

need to remove waste products. Stimulation and response – organisms detect changes in

their environment and produce a response. Movement – muscle contraction controls movement in animals,

whereas plants move by producing growth hormones in specific parts of the plant. Control of internal

conditions – organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain constant conditions e.g. hormone levels,

water levels and body temperature. Reproduction – all organisms produce offspring.

Growth and development – organisms become larger and more complex over time