The document outlines 7 characteristics of life: 1. Organization into cells 2. Growth and development through metabolism 3. Metabolism to transform energy and build cellular components 4. Homeostasis to maintain internal stability 5. Ability to adapt in response to the environment 6. Response to external stimuli 7. Ability to reproduce It also describes the basic chemistry of life, including the roles of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, and water. Carbohydrates include sugars that store and provide energy. Lipids provide energy and make up cell structures. Nucleic acids like DNA and RNA are essential and contain nucleotides with nitrogen bases. Proteins are made of amino acids and