To determine which option does not represent a characteristic of life, let’s briefly review the characteristics typically ascribed to living organisms.
- A. Maintains homeostasis: This is indeed a characteristic of life. Living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions, essential for survival.
- B. Composed of cells: This is a fundamental characteristic of all living things. All organisms are made up of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life.
- C. Composed of atoms: While all living things are made of atoms, this characteristic applies to all matter, not just to living organisms. Thus, it is not exclusive to life.
- D. Carries out metabolism: This is a defining characteristic of life. Living organisms undergo various metabolic processes to convert energy and materials for growth, reproduction, and maintenance.
Therefore, the option that is not a characteristic of life is C. composed of atoms, as it is a general property of all matter, not specifically of living organisms.