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MARIS STELLA HIGH SCHOOL

Biology Worksheet

EX 1.1 Characteristics of Life Marks: _________/


Date: / /

Class: Sec ______( ) Name: _________________________________

1997 S3 CA1 & 2002 S3 CA1

1. (a) Distinguish clearly between the following pairs of terms: [12m]

(i) respiration and breathing


(ii) excretion and secretion (to give one example each)
(iii) digestion and assimilation
(iv) nutrition and respiration
(v) excretion and defaecation (egestion)
(vi) movement and locomotion

Respiration occurs in the cells and it involves the breaking down of glucose (in the
presence of oxygen) to form carbon dioxide, water and energy [1]. This energy is used
for the maintenance of body systems and activity. However, breathing is the process
in which gaseous exchange occurs mainly between the alveoli and the environment
[1]. Oxygen needed for respiration is taken in through inhalation and carbon dioxide
(waste product) is removed through exhalation.
Excretion involves the removal of metabolic waste products [1] through certain
organs in the body. For example, urea from deamination of amino acids is removed in
the urine through the kidneys. The metabolic waste would be harmful if allowed to
accumulate in the body. On the other hand, secretion involves the production of useful
chemical substances for body functions [1]. For example, the salivary glands in the
mouth secrete saliva which contain amylase for the digestion of starch.
Digestion is a process in which food is broken down into small diffusible molecules
by enzymes [1]. This is different from assimilation in which the small diffusible
molecules become part of the body cells through complex chemical reactions.
Nutrition involves the taking of food for energy, growth and repair of the body [1].
The food sources can vary (autotrophs take in sunlight, heterotrophs feed on other
organisms). Respiration, however is the process which produces energy from the
digested food taken in nutrition.
Excretion is the removal of metabolic waste from the organism through certain
organs. This differs from egestion in which only undigested food is removed from the
body. The undigested food has not been assimilated into the body cells [1].
Movement is independent of external agents like wind and currents [1]. Movement
can be small and there is no change in location. However, locomotion involves the
whole organism moving from one place to another in a direct and controlled manner
[1]. It may be aided by external agents.

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