Organization. Living things are have an organized structure to perform a specific function. In particular, a living thing is made up of a single or a group of cell(s). A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of any organism.
Homeostasis. A life form would have an ability to keep up its existence, for instance, by regulating its internal environment to keep up a constant or favourable state.
Metabolism. A living thing would be capable of converting energy from chemicals into cellular components through anabolic reactions. It would also be capable of decomposing organic matter through catabolism.
Growth. A living thing grows, i.e. in size or in number.
Response. An organism has an ability to respond to stimuli or to its environment, usually through a series of metabolic reactions.
Reproduction. One of the hallmarks of life is the ability to reproduce, i.e. producing a new of its kind.
Adaptation. An organism is capable of changing through time to adapt to its environment.