5 Questions
What is the level of organization that exhibits all the properties of life?
Cells
What is the primary function of the cell membrane?
To separate the internal environment from the external environment
What is the term for the ability of living systems to maintain a relatively constant internal state?
Homeostasis
What is the critical function that the cell is able to perform due to its unique structure?
Maintaining homeostasis
What is the primary reason why atoms and molecules are not considered alive?
They lack the ability to carry out the functions of life
Study Notes
Cell as the Basic Unit of Life
- The cell is the first level of organization that exhibits all the properties of life.
- Atoms and molecules that make up cells are important but are not alive.
- The cell's unique structure enables it to carry out the functions of life.
Characteristics of Living Systems
- One of the hallmarks of living systems is the ability to maintain homeostasis.
- Homeostasis is a relatively constant internal state.
Cell Structure and Homeostasis
- The cell is the first level of complexity able to maintain homeostasis.
- The unique structure of the cell enables it to maintain homeostasis.
- The cell membrane separates the cell's internal environment from the external environment.
- This separation enables the cell to maintain homeostasis.
Learning Objectives
- This unit will focus on the cell and its parts.
- The cell membrane will be studied in detail.
Explore the fundamental properties of life at the cellular level, including the cell's structure and functions, and its ability to maintain homeostasis.
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