Question

The most important characteristics of living organisms is
A. Multiplication
B. Movement
C. Growth
D. Protoplasm

Answer 1

Hint: The living organisms are made up of cells. A living organism has the following characteristics; growth, response to environment, made of cells, maintain homeostasis, passes traits to offspring, made up of cells, change, breathe and metabolism.

Complete answer:
> Option A:
The multiplication is a situation, where the living cells multiply itself to form two or more similar kinds of offspring. This multiplication is commonly seen in amoeba, where with the help of nucleus it divides. Thus, option [A] is incorrect.

> Option B:
The process of movement takes place by an organism to move from one place to another in search of food, shelter, and safety. The amoeba contains pseudopodia to move, animals have limbs, but plants cannot move. Thus, option [B] is incorrect.

> Option C:
The process where a cell elongates in addition to nutrients is known as growth. In many cases, growth is the initial stage of multiplication of a cell. Thus, option [C] is incorrect.

> Option D:
Protoplasm is a semi fluid, gel like structure present inside the cell. It contains all the cell organelles, and provides a medium for the organelles to flow around the cells as per their need. If there is no protoplasm then the basic cellular functions would be hindered. Therefore, protoplasm is most important for a living cell.
Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Most important characteristic of an organism is that they are living is the presence of protoplasm in it's cells. The protoplasm is present in both the eukaryotic as well as the prokaryotic cell. It provides a neutral medium to the organelles to perform their associated functions.