The two characteristic properties of life that distinguish it from nonliving things are Reproduction and Metabolism.
Explanation:
The two main characteristics that distinguish living beings from non-living beings are:
Reproduction: living beings are able to multiply (reproduce). Through reproduction, new individuals similar to their parents are produced and the species is perpetuated.
In living beings there are two types of reproduction:
Asexual: In asexual reproduction a single organism is capable of originating other new organisms, which are exact copies of the parent from the genetic point of view. A clear example of asexual reproduction is the division of a bacterium into two genetically identical bacteria. There is, therefore, no exchange of genetic material (DNA). New living beings maintain the characteristics and qualities of their parent.
Sexual: Sexual reproduction requires the intervention of two different sexes. The descendants will be the result of the combination of the DNA of both parents and, therefore, will be genetically different from the parents and in general also different from each other. This form of reproduction is the most frequent in multicellular living organisms. Two haploid cells originated by meiosis, gametes, participate in this type of reproduction, which will bind during fertilization.
Metabolism: the phenomenon of metabolism allows living beings to process the nutrients present in the environment to obtain energy and maintain their homeostatic functions, using a quantity of nutrients and storing the rest for situations of scarcity of them. In the metabolism two fundamental processes are carried out:
Anabolism: It is when the simple substances of the nutrients are transformed into complex substances.
Catabolism: When the complex substances of the nutrients are unfolded with the help of enzymes in simpler molecules releasing energy.
During the metabolism chemical reactions and energy production are carried out that make possible the growth of the living being, its self-repair and the release of energy necessary to maintain the life of the organism. It is impossible that life can exist, be maintained or be generated without energy. We call these reactions metabolic processes:
The material cycle, that is, the chemical changes of substance in the different periods of the life cycle, such as growth, balance and reproduction.
The energy cycle, that is, the transformation of the chemical energy of food into heat when the animal is at rest, or in heat and mechanical work when it performs muscular activity, as well as the transformation of light energy into chemical energy in plants. In heterotrophic organisms, substances and energy are obtained from food. These act forming the proper substance to grow, maintain and repair wear, provide energy and provide metabolism regulating substances.
