Characteristics of Living Things Matching the terms with the processes, which are carried out by all liivng cells and organisms. Tools A B Growth The irreversible increase in size and complexity Excretion The elimination of cellular or metabolic waste. Respiration The chemical release of energy from sugar Movement The ability to relocate all or part of the organism or cells from one place to another. Reproduction The ability to produce genetically and physically similar offspring Nutrition All organisms must be able to feed to have a source of food for growth and energy. Sensitivity/Irritability The ability to respond to an internal or external stimulus. Alive Must carry out all seven processes at some time in the life-span.