increase in the amount of living material and formation of new structures in an organism: a characteristic of all living things
Are you asking about growth?
Growth
changes an organism undergoes to reach its final adult form
The increase in the amount of living material and formation of new structures in an organism is characterized as growth. Growth is a fundamental characteristic of all living things. It allows organisms to develop and increase in size and complexity over time.
To understand why growth occurs in organisms, we need to look at the underlying biological processes. Within living organisms, growth is primarily driven by cell division, which is the process by which a single cell splits into two daughter cells. This division allows the organism to multiply its cells, leading to an overall increase in size and mass.
Cell division is regulated by various factors, including genetic instructions encoded in an organism's DNA. These instructions guide the formation of new cells and the synthesis of new molecules necessary for growth. Growth also requires the energy and nutrients obtained from an organism's environment.
In multicellular organisms, growth involves not only the increase in cell numbers but also the differentiation and specialization of cells into different types and the formation of new tissues and organs. This process of development allows organisms to become more complex and adapt to their environment.
Overall, growth is a vital characteristic of all living things. It enables organisms to evolve, adapt, and recover from damage or injury. By understanding the underlying biological processes, we can appreciate the mechanisms of growth and its significance in maintaining life.