Biology Concepts Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the 7 characteristics of all living organisms?

Composed of cells, 2. Complex and ordered, 3. Respond to their environment, 4. Can grow, develop, and reproduce, 5. Obtain and use energy, 6. Maintain internal balance, 7. Allow for evolutionary adaptation.

What is the hierarchical organization of living systems?

Cellular level, organismal level, populational level, ecosystem level, biosphere.

What are the three domains of life?

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.

What are bacteria?

Single-celled prokaryotes. Signup and view all the answers

What are archaea?

Single-celled prokaryotes. Signup and view all the answers

What are eukarya?

Single-celled or multicellular eukaryotes. Signup and view all the answers

All forms of life show unity in that they are based on what?

Based on the cell, use the same genetic code (DNA and RNA), share similar or identical metabolic pathways and enzymes, and share similarities of cell structure. Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles Darwin call evolution?

Descent with modification. Signup and view all the answers

What is deductive reasoning?

Uses general principles to make specific predictions. Signup and view all the answers

What is inductive reasoning?

Uses specific observations to develop general conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

What systematic steps do scientists use to gain understanding of the world?

Observation, hypothesis formation, prediction, experimentation, conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a hypothesis?

A possible explanation for an observation that must be tested to determine its validity. Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment, what must be tested?

The hypothesis, which must be carefully designed to test only one variable at a time. Signup and view all the answers

What should a hypothesis make?

Predictions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a scientific theory?

A body of interconnected concepts supported by experimental evidence and scientific reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What does a theory imply?

A lack of knowledge or a guess. Signup and view all the answers

What are the unifying themes in biology?

Cell theory, evolution, structure and function, molecular basis of inheritance, cells as information-processing systems, non-equilibrium state. Signup and view all the answers

What does cell theory state?

All organisms are composed of cells, cells are life's basic units, and all cells come from preexisting cells. Signup and view all the answers

What does evolution explain?

All organisms descended from a simple creature 3.5 billion years ago, preserving some characteristics such as the use of DNA. Signup and view all the answers

Why do we study structure in biology?

To learn a function; if we know a function, we look for that structure in other organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the molecular basis of inheritance?

DNA is a sequence of 4 nucleotides which encode the cell's information. Signup and view all the answers

What is a gene?

Discrete unit of information. Signup and view all the answers

What is a genome?

Entire set of DNA instructions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nonequilibrium state?

Living systems are open systems in need of a constant supply of energy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Composed of cells, the basic unit of life.
Exhibit complexity and order in structure.
Ability to respond to environmental stimuli.
Capable of growth, development, and reproduction.
Obtain and utilize energy for metabolic processes.
Maintain homeostasis, or internal balance.
Adapt over time through evolutionary processes.

Hierarchical Organization of Living Systems

Structured levels: cellular, organismal, populational, ecosystem, and biosphere.

Three Domains of Life

Bacteria: Single-celled prokaryotes.
Archaea: Single-celled prokaryotes with distinct biochemistry.
Eukarya: Organisms can be single-celled or multicellular eukaryotes.

Unity Among Living Forms

All life is based on cells and shares the same genetic code (DNA and RNA).
Similar metabolic pathways and enzymatic processes across species.
Commonalities in cellular structure among diverse organisms.

Evolutionary Concepts

Charles Darwin described evolution as "descent with modification."

Reasoning in Scientific Inquiry

Deductive reasoning: Uses general principles to forecast specific outcomes.
Inductive reasoning: Begins with specific observations to form general conclusions.

Scientific Method Steps

Observation leads to hypothesis formation.
Predictions are made based on hypotheses.
Controlled experimentation tests the hypotheses.
Conclusions drawn from experimental results.

Hypotheses in Experimentation

A hypothesis provides a potential explanation and must undergo validation through testing.
Must be carefully designed to isolate one variable at a time, including both test and control groups.

Predictions in Hypothesis Testing

Hypotheses generate predictions that can validate or invalidate the original hypothesis.

Understanding Scientific Theories

Scientific theory encompasses interconnected concepts, heavily supported by experimental evidence and reasoning.
Theories evolve with new information and are continually reassessed for accuracy.

Unifying Themes in Biology

Cell theory: All living organisms consist of cells, life's fundamental units.
Evolution: Diversity stems from common ancestry, dating back 3.5 billion years.
Structure and Function: Structural analysis informs functional understanding and vice versa.
Molecular Basis of Inheritance: DNA sequences encode organismal information, critical for life's continuity.
Cells as information-processing systems: Cells process and relay genetic information.
Nonequilibrium state: Living systems require a constant energy supply and exhibit emergent properties at various levels.

Molecular Genetics

Gene: A discrete unit of genetic information.
Genome: The complete set of DNA instructions governing an organism.

Energy and Living Systems

Living systems are open systems reliant on continuous energy influx.
Emergent properties arise from the interaction of molecules, cells, and individuals, showcasing the complexity of biological systems.

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Test your knowledge of essential biology concepts with these flashcards. Covering characteristics of living organisms and the hierarchical organization of living systems, this quiz is perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of biology. Enhance your learning and retention with this interactive tool.