What is Living ?

What is Living ?

Life is a unique, complex organization of molecules that expresses itself through chemical reactions which lead to growth, development, responsiveness, adaptation and reproduction. The objects exhibiting growth development responsiveness and other characteristics of life are designated as living beings. They have their own specific from and structure. Based on these characteristics The living object can be recognized as trees, shrubs, cattle, bride, fungi, bacteria, etc. However, A specific shape, size and structure is also present in many non- living objects such as brick or rock. No single trait of life can distinguish a living being from a non living object. Therefore, a number of traits are examined simultaneously to differentiate living being.

1.       Cellular Structure. Each living being is a complex entity which is formed of one or more cells. The cells are made of protoplasm, popularly called Living matter. Composition of living matter is known. However, we have not yet been able to create protoplasm because of lack of organization of bimolecular. Protoplasm and cellular structure are absent in viruses.

2.       Organization. A living being has an organization, That is the living being consists of several components and subcompacts which cooperate with one another for the well being of the whole organism. A living being has multiple level organization. Each level of organization has its own properties which are not found in its constituents. A cellular organelle develops a property not found in its interacting molesting components. A living cell has its own characteristics not found in its organelles. A tissue is able to have a trait  not founds in its constituent cells.

3.       Energy. Living being constantly require energy not only to perform various activities of the body but also to overcome entropy or tendency to randomness. The source of food it is required by every cell of the body.

4.       Homeostasis. A favorable internal environment suitable for the functioning of body organs is present  in every living being. It is quite different from the external environment. Changes in external environment  do not have much impact on the internal environment as the living being have a self regulated systems to adjust and on the internal environment as. The Phenomenon is called homeostasis. Homeostasis is also parents in each calls of a multicellular organism.

5.       Metabolism. All organisms whether unicellular, multicellular, plants, animals. Fungi or microbes operate a network of thousands of chemical reactions. The sum total of all chemical reactions occurring in an organism due to specific interactions amongst different types of molecules within the interior of cells is called metabolism. Metabolism involves transformation of matter and energy within an organism including growth, movements, development, responsiveness, reproduction, etc. are due to metabolism. No nonliving object shown metabolism. However, metabolic reactions can be carried out outside the body of an organism in cell free systems. Such reactions are neither living nor nonliving. The isolated in vitro metabolic reactions can, however, be called biological reactions or living reactions as they involve biochemical.