What characteristic distinguishes living things from nonliving things?

The characteristic that distinguishes living things from nonliving things is that living things are made up of cells. This fundamental aspect of life is crucial because cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms. Every living entity, whether it's a single-celled organism like bacteria or a complex multicellular organism like humans, is composed of cells. This cellular structure is essential for various biological functions, including metabolism and growth.

While other options like the ability to move, reproduction, and breathing are often associated with living organisms, they do not universally apply to all living things. For example, some organisms may not show movement in the way that animals do, and certain forms of life can reproduce asexually or remain dormant without breathing. Therefore, being made up of cells is a more universal and defining characteristic that sets living organisms apart from inanimate objects or nonliving entities.