Scientific research can study all aspects of our surroundings. Scientists study topics like matter, motion, chemical reactions, and outer space.
Biology is a branch of science focused on the study of living things. It isn't simple to decide whether something is living. Many nonliving things share the same characteristics as living things. Virus particles are able to move and pass on their DNA, yet they are considered nonliving because they are not made up of cells.
Organisms share certain characteristics in order to be classified as living.
Characteristics of living things:
1. Made up of cells.
2. Pass their genetic information from one generation to another.
3. Use energy.
4. Grow and develop over time.
5. Respond to their environment.
6. Reproduce.
7. Made mostly of the chemicals of life (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids).
