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Quizzes > Science

Characteristics of Life Quiz: Test the Traits of Living Things

Quick, free 7 characteristics of life quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Rodrigo VillalobosUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art cell with organelle cutouts and metabolism icons on sky blue background quiz illustration

This Characteristics of Life quiz helps you check key traits of living things, including cells, organization, and metabolism. For more review, take a biology chapter 1 test, practice with easy biology questions, or try a high school biology quiz. Use these to fill any gaps, then return here to see instant results and short explanations.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of life?
Metabolism
Photosynthesis
Reproduction
Homeostasis
Photosynthesis is a metabolic pathway used by some organisms, but it is not a universal characteristic of all living things. The fundamental characteristics of life include cellular organization, metabolism, homeostasis, reproduction, heredity, response to stimuli, growth, and development. Because photosynthesis only applies to certain autotrophic organisms, it is not a defining trait of life as a whole.
What is the basic unit of life?
Molecule
Tissue
Atom
Cell
Cells are the smallest structural and functional units of all living organisms. They carry out all processes of life, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. The cell theory states that all organisms are composed of one or more cells and that the cell is the basic unit of life.
Prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells because prokaryotes:
Have chloroplasts
Lack membrane-bound organelles
Have mitochondria
Have a nucleus
Prokaryotic cells do not contain a true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells do. Their genetic material is located in a nucleoid region rather than enclosed by a nuclear membrane. This structural simplicity is a defining feature of bacteria and archaea, the two domains of prokaryotes.
Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse" of the cell?
Lysosome
Ribosome
Golgi apparatus
Mitochondrion
Mitochondria generate the majority of the cell's supply of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. This energy currency powers most cellular processes. Because of this crucial role in energy production, mitochondria are commonly called the "powerhouses" of cells.
What process converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP?
Photosynthesis
Krebs cycle
Electron transport chain
Glycolysis
Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that breaks down one molecule of glucose into two molecules of pyruvate. This process occurs in the cytosol and produces a net gain of two ATP molecules and two NADH molecules. It is the first step in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
Which macromolecule is the primary source of energy for cellular activities?
Nucleic acids
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Carbohydrates such as glucose provide quick and accessible energy for cells. They are broken down during cellular respiration to generate ATP. While lipids and proteins can also be used as energy sources, carbohydrates serve as the primary and preferred immediate energy supply.
Homeostasis in living organisms refers to:
Reproduction of cells
Growth over time
Evolution over generations
Maintaining stable internal conditions
Homeostasis is the process by which biological systems maintain stable internal conditions, such as temperature, pH, and ion concentrations. This regulation is essential for the survival and proper function of cells and organisms. Mechanisms like negative feedback loops help organisms respond to changes and restore balance.
Which structure in plant cells provides rigidity and support?
Ribosome
Vacuole
Cell membrane
Cell wall
The cell wall is a rigid layer external to the plasma membrane in plant cells. It is primarily composed of cellulose fibers that confer structural strength and protection. This rigidity allows plants to maintain shape and resist turgor pressure.
Which level of biological organization is directly above the organ level?
System
Organism
Tissue
Cell
In biological hierarchy, cells form tissues, tissues form organs, organs form organ systems, and organ systems make up an organism. The organ system level integrates multiple organs to perform complex functions. This organization enables specialization and coordination among different parts of the body.
The process by which cells take in large particles is called:
Diffusion
Pinocytosis
Exocytosis
Phagocytosis
Phagocytosis is a form of endocytosis where the cell engulfs large particles or even whole cells. It is commonly used by immune cells like macrophages to remove pathogens and debris. The membrane wraps around the particle and internalizes it into a vesicle.
Which of these is an anabolic process?
Cellular respiration
Protein synthesis
Lipid breakdown
Glycolysis
Anabolic processes build complex molecules from simpler ones and usually require energy. Protein synthesis assembles amino acids into polypeptide chains, forming functional proteins. In contrast, glycolysis and lipid breakdown are catabolic, meaning they break down molecules to release energy.
In the cell theory, which scientist proposed that all cells come from preexisting cells?
Schleiden
Virchow
Schwann
Hooke
Rudolf Virchow famously stated 'Omnis cellula e cellula' meaning every cell arises from another cell. This idea completed the cell theory by emphasizing cellular reproduction. Hooke, Schleiden, and Schwann contributed to early cell observations, but Virchow clarified cell lineage.
Which molecule carries genetic information?
RNA
Both B and C
DNA
ATP
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) stores hereditary information in the sequence of its nucleotide bases. While RNA also carries genetic messages for protein synthesis, DNA is the primary long-term repository. The double-helix structure of DNA enables replication and transmission to offspring.
During osmosis, water moves from an area of ____ to ____ solute concentration.
Equal to equal
High to high
Low to high
High to low
Osmosis is the passive diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane. Water moves from regions of lower solute concentration (higher water potential) toward regions of higher solute concentration (lower water potential). This process aims to equalize solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane.
Which organelle modifies and packages proteins for secretion?
Golgi apparatus
Nucleus
Smooth ER
Rough ER
Proteins synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum are transported to the Golgi apparatus. There, they are further modified, sorted, and packaged into vesicles for secretion or delivery to other organelles. The Golgi's cisternae structure facilitates sequential processing steps.
What term describes an organism that obtains energy by ingesting other organisms?
Autotroph
Phototroph
Chemotroph
Heterotroph
Heterotrophs cannot produce their own organic compounds and must consume other organisms or their products to obtain energy. This nutritional mode contrasts with autotrophs, which synthesize their own food via photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Most animals, fungi, and many bacteria are heterotrophic.
In aerobic respiration, which stage produces the most ATP?
Glycolysis
Electron transport chain
Krebs cycle
Fermentation
The electron transport chain generates the majority of ATP during aerobic respiration by using energy from electrons to pump protons and drive ATP synthase. Glycolysis and the Krebs cycle produce only a few ATP directly. Fermentation bypasses the electron transport chain and yields no additional ATP from oxidative phosphorylation.
Which enzyme is responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix during replication?
Helicase
Primase
DNA polymerase
DNA ligase
Helicase separates the two strands of the DNA double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs. This unwinding is essential to allow replication machinery access to single-stranded templates. Without helicase, DNA polymerase could not synthesize new strands.
What is the term for the gradual adjustments an organism makes to maintain homeostasis in response to prolonged environmental changes?
Acclimation
Adaptation
Metabolism
Evolution
Acclimation refers to the short-term physiological adjustments made by an organism to cope with environmental changes. Unlike genetic adaptations, these changes are reversible and occur within an individual's lifetime. Evolutionary adaptation involves genetic changes across generations.
In a hypotonic environment, plant cells become:
Flaccid
Lysed
Turgid
Plasmolyzed
In a hypotonic solution, water enters plant cells by osmosis, causing them to swell. The rigid cell wall prevents bursting, resulting in a turgid state that supports structural rigidity. Flaccid or plasmolyzed states occur in isotonic or hypertonic conditions, respectively.
Which of the following is the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain of aerobic respiration?
NAD+
O2
FAD
H2O
Oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. It combines with electrons and protons to form water. This process is critical for maintaining the proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis. Without oxygen, the chain stops, and ATP production falls dramatically.
What is the net gain of ATP molecules per glucose molecule in glycolysis?
2
4
36
32
Glycolysis produces a net gain of two ATP molecules per glucose because it uses two ATP in early steps and generates four ATP in later steps. It also yields two NADH molecules. This net of two ATP is essential for quick energy supply under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
The fluid mosaic model describes the structure of:
Cell wall
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Plasma membrane
The fluid mosaic model explains that the plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins that move laterally. This arrangement allows flexibility and dynamic interactions of membrane components. The fluidity is crucial for membrane functions like transport, signaling, and cell recognition.
According to the endosymbiotic theory, which organelle originated from engulfed prokaryotic cells?
Endoplasmic reticulum
Mitochondrion
Golgi apparatus
Lysosome
The endosymbiotic theory proposes that mitochondria originated from free-living proteobacteria engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells. Over time, a symbiotic relationship developed, and the bacteria evolved into mitochondria. Evidence includes mitochondrial DNA and double membranes.
Which process involves the non-spontaneous movement of ions across a membrane using energy?
Facilitated diffusion
Active transport
Passive diffusion
Osmosis
Active transport requires energy, typically from ATP, to move ions or molecules against their concentration gradient. This non-spontaneous process differs from passive mechanisms that follow gradients. Examples include the sodium-potassium pump and proton pumps in mitochondria.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Core Traits of Life -

    Understand and list the fundamental characteristics that distinguish living organisms, including cellular organization, metabolism, growth, and reproduction.

  2. Differentiate Living vs. Non-Living -

    Apply key criteria to distinguish between living and non-living entities by evaluating traits such as homeostasis, responsiveness, and energy utilization.

  3. Analyze Cellular Structure Quiz Questions -

    Interpret and answer quiz items focused on cellular components and organization, reinforcing knowledge of cell theory and structural biology.

  4. Evaluate Metabolic and Homeostatic Functions -

    Assess how metabolic processes contribute to maintaining internal balance and apply this understanding to real-world biological scenarios.

  5. Apply Concepts in a Characteristic of Life WQuiziz Format -

    Engage with scenario-based questions styled like characteristic of life wquiziz challenges to enhance critical thinking and test-taking strategies.

  6. Interpret Instant Feedback for Improvement -

    Use instant quiz feedback to pinpoint knowledge gaps, refine understanding of biological concepts, and track progress over time.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Cellular Organization -

    All life is built from cells, as defined by the Cell Theory (unicellular or multicellular). In a cellular structure quiz or characteristic of life wquiziz, distinguish prokaryotes (no nucleus) from eukaryotes (nucleus and organelles). A quick tip: "PEK" - Prokaryotes lack Endomembranes, Karyon (nucleus).

  2. Metabolic Processes -

    Metabolism includes anabolism (building molecules) and catabolism (breaking down nutrients) to release energy (Glycolysis: C₆H₝₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP). Reliable sources such as Khan Academy emphasize ATP as the cell's energy currency. Remember the phrase "Always Catabolize, Never Annihilate" to keep pathways straight.

  3. Homeostasis -

    Maintaining internal balance (temperature, pH, ion concentration) is vital; think of your body's thermostat. University of California resources highlight feedback loops: negative (stabilizing) and positive (amplifying) controls. Mnemonic: "Keep It Steady" for negative feedback's stabilizing role.

  4. Growth and Reproduction -

    Growth involves cell division (mitosis in somatic cells, meiosis for gametes) and DNA replication, as detailed by NIH educational pages. Reproduction (sexual or asexual) ensures genetic continuity and variation. Use "Mighty Mitosis" for body cell growth and "Marvelous Meiosis" for genetic diversity.

  5. Response to Stimuli and Adaptation -

    Living organisms detect and respond to environmental cues (light, chemicals, temperature) - a key quiz characteristics of life concept. Over generations, genetic adaptations arise via natural selection (Darwin's theory, published in reputable journals). A handy trick is "S.T.A.R.": Stimulus → Transduction → Action → Result.

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