What characteristic distinguishes living organisms from non-living things?

The characteristic that distinguishes living organisms from non-living things is that they are made up of cells. This fundamental unit of life is essential for all biological processes. Cells are the building blocks of living organisms and allow for the various functions that define life, such as growth, metabolism, response to stimuli, and reproduction.

Being made up of cells provides a level of organization and complexity that is not present in non-living things. While non-living entities may display change or have elements of chemistry (like carbon compounds), they do not have the cellular structure that enables the dynamic processes of life. Cells can organize into tissues, organs, and systems, allowing organisms to maintain homeostasis and interact with their environments in ways that non-living things cannot.

Overall, the presence of cells is a unifying feature of all living organisms, marking the clear distinction between the living and the non-living.