Living vs. Inert: Characteristics, Organization, and Biomolecules

4 Key Differences Between Living and Inert Matter

Living systems (LS) are highly organized. An animal or plant is a complex organism constituted of different parts, each specialized in a different role. Living systems obtain nutrients from the external environment, which are then used for growth and conservation. Living systems individually reproduce. Through this function, they are capable of generating new, similar beings. In simple terms, single-celled living systems are constituted of one type of molecule with specific characteristics, such as glucides, lipids, and vitamins.

Schematic Organization of Living Systems

Levels:

Elementary Particles > Atoms > Simple Molecules > Complex Molecules > Cellular Organelles > Cells (Single-celled LS) > Tissues > Organs > Systems > Multicellular LS > Individual > Population > Community > Biosphere

Bioelements

Bioelements are the chemical elements that make up matter.

Most Abundant Bioelements in Living Systems:

Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Sulfur, Phosphorus

Biomolecules and Types

Bioelements combine to form biomolecules, which can be organic or inorganic.

Inorganic Biomolecules

(Water, mineral salts) are small in size, formed by few atoms, and have low energy. Although they are part of the living system's body, they are mostly found in the physical environment.

Organic Biomolecules

(Glucides, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) are structurally complex macromolecules, considered exclusive to living systems and very rich in energy.

Characteristics of Water

• Water is the most abundant biomolecule, comprising between 50% and 95% of the weight of any living organism. It is vitally important as a liquid.
• Water helps regulate body temperature.
• Water is a good solvent for several reasons: it directly participates in chemical reactions (photosynthesis, hydrolysis). It intervenes in digestive processes in animals and is a good vehicle for waste excretion through urine or sweat.
• Water is necessary for reproduction.

Characteristics of Organization and Inorganic Matter

Definitions:

• Biosphere: The set of all communities on the entire Earth.
• Single-celled Organisms: Individuals constituted by a single cell, capable of developing vital functions.
• Multicellular Organisms: Live with others of the same species in a population, sharing territory with populations of different species.
• Tissue: A set of cells of the same form that have come together to perform a common function.
• Organ: A structure formed by different tissues with a complex structure.
• System: A set of organs that perform the same function.

What are Organic Biomolecules?

They are exclusive to living systems or organisms, such as glucides (or carbohydrates), lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Principal Function of Glucides

To provide energy through cellular respiration, which releases the energy they contain.

Functions of Proteins

• Immunological
• Transport
• Structural
• Contractile
• Controllers of chemical reactions (hormonal)

Properties of Lipids

They dissolve poorly in water but very well in organic solvents like benzene, alcohol, or gasoline. They conduct heat poorly, and combustion gives off a large quantity of energy.

Examples

• Carbohydrates: Glucose, sucrose, starch, and cellulose
• Lipids: Fats, oils, cholesterol, waxes, and vitamins
• Proteins: Insulin, collagen, myosin, and hemoglobin
• Nucleic Acids: DNA, RNA

What are the Vital Functions?

Nutrition, relationships, and reproduction.

Autotrophs vs. Heterotrophs

• Autotrophs: Organisms that produce their own food, manufacturing organic matter rich in energy. In plants, algae, and some bacteria, this is called photosynthesis.

Types of Reproduction

• Asexual: The new organism comes from a single cell or fragment of a progenitor individual.
• Sexual: Involves two reproductive cells called "gametes" that join through fertilization to originate the zygote, the first cell of the new being.