Scientists cannot define life, but they can list characteristics that are true of all life

This is true. Biologists often talk about different characteristics of life that are important and vital for life. Among these characteristics are the ability to reproduce, produce and consume energy, be able to move, have a digestive system, have some form of breathing. But some of these can also be disputed as some lifeforms can exhibit certain characteristics of them but not others and yet they're considered to be alive.