Living organisms share several key characteristics that serve to define life. Here are some of the most important characteristics of living organisms:

• Order: Living things are highly organized and structured, following a hierarchy that can be examined on a scale from small to large. Atoms form molecules, which in turn make up cell organelles and other cellular inclusions. Cells form tissues, which collaborate to create organs, and organs work together to form organ systems.

• Sensitivity or response to stimuli: All living things can sense and respond to stimuli in their environment, such as temperature, light, or gravity.

• Reproduction: Living organisms have the ability to form new offspring, either sexually or asexually.

• Growth and development: Living organisms have the ability to grow and develop, which is essential for their survival/01%3A_The_Study_of_Life/1.07%3A_Themes_and_Concepts_of_Biology_-_Properties_of_Life).

• Regulation and homeostasis: Living organisms have the ability to regulate their internal environment to maintain a relatively stable state, known as homeostasis.

• Energy processing: Living organisms use energy to maintain their metabolic processes, such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis/01%3A_The_Study_of_Life/1.07%3A_Themes_and_Concepts_of_Biology_-_Properties_of_Life).

• DNA/Heredity: Living organisms have genetic material that is passed on during reproduction, which tells each cell what and how to make proteins.

It is important to note that these characteristics are not exclusive to all living organisms, and some organisms may exhibit some of these characteristics to a lesser degree than others. However, when viewed together, these characteristics serve to define life.