Which of the following is considered the defining property of living organisms? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Which of the following is considered the defining property of living organisms?
A. Metabolism
B. Movement
C. Growth
D. Reproduction
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions occurring in a living body. It is the only feature present in all living organisms without exception. While growth and reproduction are common, they are not universal (e.g., sterile mules). Non-living things can also exhibit growth by accumulation or movement, making metabolism the true defining property.

Discuss this Question (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!

Practice More Biology Questions

Question #1
The term 'antibiotic' was coined by:
A. Paul Ehrlich
B. Louis Pasteur
C. Selman Waksman
D. Alexander Fleming

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Selman Waksman, who discovered streptomycin, coined the term 'antibiotic' in 1942 to describe chemical substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit or kill other microorganisms. Fleming discovered penicillin but did not coin the term. Pasteur developed pasteurization and rabies vaccine, Ehrlich discovered salvarsan (magic bullet) for syphilis.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
Consider statements about plant hormones: 1. Auxins promote apical dominance. 2. Gibberellins cause bolting in rosette plants. 3. Cytokinins promote leaf senescence. Which are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1 and 2 only

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Auxins produced at the apex suppress the growth of lateral buds, maintaining apical dominance. Gibberellins induce rapid stem elongation or bolting in rosette plants before flowering. Cytokinins actually delay or prevent senescence (aging) of leaves by promoting nutrient mobilization, known as the Richmond-Lang effect. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while 3 is false.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #3
In a typical angiosperm embryo sac, the number of haploid nuclei is:
A. 8
B. 6
C. 7
D. 4

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
A mature embryo sac (female gametophyte) in angiosperms is 7-celled but 8-nucleate: 3 antipodal cells (3 nuclei), 2 synergids (2 nuclei), 1 egg cell (1 nucleus), and 1 central cell with 2 polar nuclei. Thus total 8 haploid nuclei. The central cell is homodiploid (2 polar nuclei). Double fertilization involves these nuclei. This is typical of Polygonum type of development.

This question belongs to: Science Biology