What are the key characteristics of plants?

Plants have several unique characteristics that make them different from other living organisms. Here are the key characteristics of plants, explained:

1. They are living organisms.
   Plants are made of cells and carry out all life processes such as growth, reproduction, and respiration.
2. They make their own food.
   Plants are autotrophic, meaning they make food through photosynthesis using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
3. They contain chlorophyll.
   Most plants have a green pigment called chlorophyll, which helps them capture sunlight for photosynthesis.
4. They have cell walls.
   Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose, which gives them strength and shape.
5. They are mostly non-motile.
   Plants do not move from place to place, although some parts (like leaves or flowers) can move slowly in response to light or touch.
6. They grow throughout life.
   Plants continue to grow from specific regions called meristems, especially at the tips of roots and shoots.
7. They reproduce in various ways.
   Plants can reproduce sexually (through flowers and seeds) or asexually (through roots, stems, or leaves).
8. They respond to the environment.
   Plants can sense and respond to changes such as light, gravity, water, and touch. For example, roots grow downward, and leaves turn toward sunlight.
9. They exchange gases.
   Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis, and they respire by taking in oxygen and giving out carbon dioxide.
10. They store food as starch.
    Plants store the extra food they make in the form of starch in their roots, stems, fruits, or seeds.

In short, plants are green, food-producing, non-moving living things that grow, reproduce, and respond to their surroundings while playing a vital role in maintaining life on Earth.