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Questions and Answers
A scientist discovers a new organism. Which combination of characteristics would be sufficient to classify the organism as living?
A scientist discovers a new organism. Which combination of characteristics would be sufficient to classify the organism as living?
- Reproduction, homeostasis, and response to stimuli.
- Growth, development, and cellular organization.
- Metabolism, heredity, and adaptation through evolution.
- All of the above. (correct)
A plant bends toward a light source. Which characteristic of life does this demonstrate?
A plant bends toward a light source. Which characteristic of life does this demonstrate?
- Response to stimuli. (correct)
- Adaptation through evolution.
- Homeostasis.
- Metabolism.
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of homeostasis in humans?
Which of the following best illustrates the concept of homeostasis in humans?
- Breathing rapidly during exercise.
- Producing offspring with similar traits.
- Growing taller from childhood to adulthood.
- Shivering when cold to maintain body temperature. (correct)
A population of bacteria becomes resistant to an antibiotic over several generations. This is an example of which characteristic of life?
A population of bacteria becomes resistant to an antibiotic over several generations. This is an example of which characteristic of life?
Which activity would NOT fall under the umbrella of microbiology?
Which activity would NOT fall under the umbrella of microbiology?
Microbes are used as models for understanding cellular processes because:
Microbes are used as models for understanding cellular processes because:
Which characteristic of living systems is best exemplified by a bacterium forming a biofilm?
Which characteristic of living systems is best exemplified by a bacterium forming a biofilm?
A microbe in a nutrient-poor environment develops a highly resistant structure to ensure its survival. Which characteristic of living systems does this exemplify?
A microbe in a nutrient-poor environment develops a highly resistant structure to ensure its survival. Which characteristic of living systems does this exemplify?
Cells utilize enzymes to:
Cells utilize enzymes to:
The use of microbes in bioremediation, such as cleaning up oil spills, is an example of:
The use of microbes in bioremediation, such as cleaning up oil spills, is an example of:
Which of the following is NOT a key role that microbes play in the environment?
Which of the following is NOT a key role that microbes play in the environment?
A scientist is studying a newly discovered microbe that thrives in extremely acidic conditions. Which characteristic of microorganisms does this best exemplify?
A scientist is studying a newly discovered microbe that thrives in extremely acidic conditions. Which characteristic of microorganisms does this best exemplify?
How do phylogenetic trees primarily demonstrate the relationships between different microbial species?
How do phylogenetic trees primarily demonstrate the relationships between different microbial species?
Flashcards
Reproduction
Reproduction
The ability to produce offspring, essential for the continuation of a species.
Heredity
Heredity
Passing of genetic information (DNA) from parents to offspring, influencing traits.
Cellular Organization
Cellular Organization
Being composed of one or more cells, the basic building blocks of life.
Adaptation Through Evolution
Adaptation Through Evolution
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Homeostasis
Homeostasis
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Microbes as models
Microbes as models
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Applied biological science
Applied biological science
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Microorganism importance
Microorganism importance
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Cell Metabolism
Cell Metabolism
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Cell Growth
Cell Growth
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Cell Differentiation
Cell Differentiation
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Cell Communication
Cell Communication
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Enzymes
Enzymes
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Study Notes
Characteristics of Life
- Things are classified as either biotic (living) or abiotic (non-living).
- Abiotic things are missing one or more of the eight characteristics of life.
- Biotic things are living and possess all eight characteristics of life.
Eight Characteristics of Life
- Reproduction: Organisms must be able to reproduce and create offspring to be considered alive.
- Heredity: It is the ability to pass on genetic material (DNA) from parent to offspring.
- Phenotypic traits determine how a living thing looks on the outside.
- Genotypic traits are the actual genetic code that determines how something behaves and looks.
- Cellular Organization: All living things are composed of one or more cells.
- Growth and Development: All organisms develop over time to become more physically and mentally mature.
- Adaptation Through Evolution: Every living thing has evolved at some point and adapts to an ever-changing environment.
- Response to Stimuli: Living things respond to environmental stimuli.
- Homeostasis: It is a living thing's ability to maintain stable internal factors, such as blood pressure, body temperature (thermoregulation), and water balance within cells.
- Metabolism: An organism must use chemical reactions to process and/or use environmental resources to continue functioning.
Microbiology and Microorganisms
- The science of microbiology revolves around two themes: understanding basic life processes and applying that knowledge for human benefit.
- Microbes are excellent models for understanding cellular processes in unicellular and multicellular organisms.
- Microbes play important roles in medicine, agriculture, and industry.
- Microorganisms are the oldest and smallest form of life.
- They represent the largest mass of living material on Earth.
- Microbes carry out major processes for biogeochemical cycles.
- Microbes can live in places unsuitable for other organisms.
- Other life forms require microbes to survive.
Characteristics of Living Systems - Microbial Cell
- Compartmentalization and Metabolism: A cell takes up nutrients, transforms them, and releases wastes, functioning as an open system.
- Growth: Chemicals are turned into new cells under the genetic direction of the preexisting cells.
- Differentiation: Some cells can form new cell structures, such as spores, as part of a cellular life cycle.
- Communication: Cells communicate or interact via released or taken up chemicals.
- Motility: Some cells are capable of self-propulsion.
- Evolution: Cells contain genes and evolve to display new biological properties.
- Phylogenetic trees illustrate the evolutionary relationships between cells.
Cells as Catalysts and Coding Devices
- Cells carry out chemical reactions.
- Enzymes are protein catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions.
- Cells store and process information passed on to offspring during reproduction through DNA and evolution.
- Transcription: DNA produces RNA.
- Translation: RNA makes protein.
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Description
Explore the characteristics that define living organisms. Learn about reproduction, heredity, cellular organization, growth, adaptation, and response to stimuli. Understand the difference between biotic and abiotic elements.
