All living things share seven life processes: 1) movement, 2) reproduction, 3) sensitivity to the environment, 4) nutrition, 5) excretion of waste, 6) respiration, and 7) growth. These processes allow organisms to obtain energy and materials from the environment, respond to stimuli, eliminate waste, and develop from birth to maturity. The initial letters of each process spell out "MRS NERG" to help remember the seven essential functions of life.