Select correct statement for growth as one of the characteristic of living organisms

Options

A. Growth by increase in mass is a defining property of prokaryotic organisms only
B. Non-living objects do not show growth by increase in mass of body
C. Intrinsic growth is a characteristic of all living organisms
D. Growth can be extrinsic or intrinsic for multicellular organisms

Answer

To determine the correct statement regarding growth as a characteristic of living organisms, let's analyze each option step by step:

### Step 1: Analyze Option A
- **Statement**: Growth by increasing mass is a defining property of prokaryotic organisms only.
- **Analysis**: This statement is incorrect because growth is not exclusive to prokaryotic organisms. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms exhibit growth. Thus, this option is false.

### Step 2: Analyze Option B
- **Statement**: Non-living objects do not show growth.
- **Analysis**: This statement is misleading. While non-living objects do not grow in the biological sense, they can increase in mass through external factors (extrinsic growth). Therefore, this statement is also incorrect.

### Step 3: Analyze Option C
- **Statement**: Intrinsic growth is characteristic of all living organisms.
- **Analysis**: This statement is correct. Intrinsic growth refers to the growth that occurs from within an organism, which is a fundamental characteristic of all living organisms, regardless of whether they are prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

### Step 4: Analyze Option D
- **Statement**: Growth can be extrinsic or intrinsic for multicellular organisms.
- **Analysis**: While it is true that multicellular organisms can exhibit both types of growth, the defining feature of life is intrinsic growth. Therefore, this statement is misleading as it emphasizes extrinsic growth, which is not a defining characteristic of life.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct statement regarding growth as a characteristic of living organisms is:
- **Correct Answer**: Option C - Intrinsic growth is characteristic of all living organisms.

---