Levels of Life Worksheet
Complete all three parts of this worksheet.
Part I: Atomic Structure – Fill in the missing information on atomic structure and organic compounds.
Atomic Structure
Subatomic Particle Charge Location in an Atom
Proton Positive Nucleus
Neutron Neutral Nucleus
Electron Negative Outer-shell
Organic Compounds
Large Biological Molecule Atoms it Contains Monomer(s) Function(s) in Living Organisms
Carbohydrates C, H, and O Monosaccharides Source of energy
Lipid C,H, and O Glycerol and fatty acids Cushion and insulate organs; builds cell membranes
Protein C, H, O, N, and S Lactase Is an enzyme and hemoglobin is a transport protein Helps chemical reactions, provides support and structure, provides transport within bodies and provides movement of body
Nucleic acids C, H, O, N, and P DNA and RNA Stores and transmits genetic information
Part II: Characteristics of Living Organisms – Seven characteristics distinguish an object or thing from an actual living organism. All seven characteristics must be present simultaneously for something to be considered living. Fill in the remaining characteristics in the following table.
Characteristics of a Living Organism
1. Order – exhibit complex but ordered organization. (Simon, Reece, & Dickey, (2010), p. 4).
2. Regulation- the environment outside of an organism can change but the organism is able to internally adjust to maintain or regulate appropriate levels for survival. (Simon, Reece, & Dickey, (2010), p. 4).
3. Growth and development- the information provided by genetics which determines the growth and development patterns of an organism. (Simon, Reece, & Dickey, (2010), p. 4).
4. Energy utilization- the energy an organism takes in to use in preforming life activities. (Simon, Reece, & Dickey, (2010), p. 4).
5. Response to the environment- the response of a living organism to its environment. (Simon, Reece, &