There's no definitive list of exactly 9 characteristics that *prove* an organism is alive, as the definition of life itself is complex and debated. However, scientists generally agree on several key characteristics that are associated with living things:

1. Organization: Living things are highly organized, with specialized structures and systems that work together.

2. Metabolism: Living organisms carry out chemical reactions to obtain and use energy, build and break down molecules, and eliminate waste.

3. Growth and Development: Living things increase in size and complexity over time, following a defined pattern of development.

4. Response to Stimuli: Living things react to changes in their environment, both internal and external.

5. Homeostasis: Living things maintain a relatively stable internal environment despite external fluctuations.

6. Adaptation: Living things evolve over generations to better suit their environment.

7. Reproduction: Living things produce offspring, passing on their genetic material.

8. Cellular Structure: Living things are made up of one or more cells, the basic unit of life.

9. Genetic Code: Living things contain DNA or RNA as their genetic material, which carries the blueprint for their structure and function.

It's important to remember that these characteristics can sometimes be observed in non-living things, like viruses. Viruses can replicate, but only within a host cell, and they lack many other characteristics of life. The line between living and non-living can be blurry, and scientists continue to debate the definition of life.