Which of these is not a property of all living organisms?
a. Capable of reproduction
b. Uses energy
c. Composed of multiple cells
d. Responds to the environment

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the question. It asks which of the listed options is NOT a property of all living organisms. This means we need to identify the characteristic that is not universally true for all living organisms.
2. Step 2: Review the fundamental properties of life. These include: (a) the ability to reproduce, (b) the ability to use energy (metabolism), (c) being composed of one or more cells, (d) the ability to respond to environmental stimuli, and others such as growth, homeostasis, and adaptation.
3. Step 3: Analyze each option: (a) 'capable of reproduction' is a universal property of life, as all living organisms reproduce to pass on genetic material. (b) 'uses energy' is also universal, as all living organisms require energy to maintain their biological processes. (c) 'composed of multiple cells' is not universal, as some organisms, like bacteria and archaea, are unicellular. (d) 'responds to the environment' is universal, as all living organisms interact with and respond to their surroundings.
4. Step 4: Identify the option that does not apply to all living organisms. Based on the analysis, option (c) 'composed of multiple cells' is not a property of all living organisms, as some are unicellular.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the option that does not meet the criteria of being a universal property of life, which is option (c).

Key Concepts

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Living organisms share several key characteristics, including the ability to reproduce, utilize energy, respond to environmental stimuli, and maintain homeostasis. These traits help distinguish living entities from non-living matter. Understanding these characteristics is essential for identifying what constitutes life.

Reproduction

Reproduction is a fundamental property of living organisms, allowing them to produce offspring and ensure the continuation of their species. This can occur through sexual or asexual means. However, not all organisms reproduce at all stages of their life cycle, making it a critical concept for evaluating the properties of life.

Cellular Organization

All living organisms are composed of cells, which are the basic units of life. While some organisms, like bacteria, are unicellular, others are multicellular, consisting of many cells that work together. The distinction between unicellular and multicellular organisms is important for understanding biological diversity and the complexity of life forms.