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Questions and Answers
If a scientist discovers an organism that maintains a stable internal salt concentration despite living in a fluctuating environment, which characteristic of life is being observed?
If a scientist discovers an organism that maintains a stable internal salt concentration despite living in a fluctuating environment, which characteristic of life is being observed?
- Metabolism
- Homeostasis (correct)
- Adaptation
- Reproduction
Which of the following best describes the relationship between catabolism and anabolism?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between catabolism and anabolism?
- Catabolism and anabolism both involve the synthesis of complex molecules, but use different energy sources.
- Catabolism synthesizes complex molecules, while anabolism breaks down complex molecules.
- Catabolism and anabolism occur independently of each other and do not affect the overall energy balance of an organism.
- Catabolism releases energy by breaking down complex molecules, while anabolism uses energy to build complex molecules. (correct)
An organism is discovered that can alter its physical traits over generations in response to environmental change. Which characteristic of life does this BEST describe?
An organism is discovered that can alter its physical traits over generations in response to environmental change. Which characteristic of life does this BEST describe?
- Homeostasis
- Reproduction
- Adaptation (correct)
- Growth
Considering the laws of thermodynamics, which of the following is true regarding the formation of complex organic molecules from simpler ones within a cell?
Considering the laws of thermodynamics, which of the following is true regarding the formation of complex organic molecules from simpler ones within a cell?
If a new organism is discovered and scientists find that it uses a molecule similar to ATP as its primary energy currency, which characteristic of life is being observed?
If a new organism is discovered and scientists find that it uses a molecule similar to ATP as its primary energy currency, which characteristic of life is being observed?
A scientist is studying a newly discovered virus. After analyzing the virus's composition, they find it's made up of proteins and nucleic acids, but it can only replicate inside a host cell. Based on the conventional definitions of life, would the virus be classified as 'living'?
A scientist is studying a newly discovered virus. After analyzing the virus's composition, they find it's made up of proteins and nucleic acids, but it can only replicate inside a host cell. Based on the conventional definitions of life, would the virus be classified as 'living'?
During exercise, the human body temperature rises. Which of the following mechanisms is an example of maintaining homeostasis?
During exercise, the human body temperature rises. Which of the following mechanisms is an example of maintaining homeostasis?
Which of the following properties distinguishes RNA from DNA?
Which of the following properties distinguishes RNA from DNA?
Why are vitamins classified as micronutrients?
Why are vitamins classified as micronutrients?
Which of the following is the MOST direct role of RNA in a cell?
Which of the following is the MOST direct role of RNA in a cell?
Flashcards
Organization
Organization
Being composed of one or more cells, basic units of life.
Reproduction
Reproduction
Life's ability to produce new organisms.
Metabolism
Metabolism
Chemical processes necessary for maintaining life.
Growth
Growth
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Homeostasis
Homeostasis
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Response to Stimuli
Response to Stimuli
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Adaptation
Adaptation
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ATP
ATP
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Micronutrients vs Macronutrients
Micronutrients vs Macronutrients
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RNA
RNA
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Study Notes
Definitions of Life
- Organization: Life is composed of one or more cells, the basic units of life.
- Reproduction: Life has the ability to produce new organisms.
- Metabolism: Life involves chemical processes for survival.
- Catabolism: Breakdown of substances to generate energy.
- Anabolism: Synthesis of substances using energy.
- Growth: Life grows, maintaining a higher rate of building than breaking down, progressing from simpler to more complex forms.
- Homeostasis: Life regulates its internal environment to stay constant.
- Examples: Sweating to lower body temperature, shivering to raise body temperature.
- Response to Stimuli: Life responds to and reacts to stimuli.
- Adaptation: The ability to respond over a long time to environmental changes.
Other Proposed Features of Life
- Carbon-Containing: Carbon is the fundamental element for life on Earth.
- Reliance on Water: Water is essential for all life forms.
- Genetic Information: Life uses DNA and RNA to store an organism's blueprint.
Molecules of Life
- Molecule: The smallest unit of a substance retaining its properties; composed of one or more atoms.
- Atom: The smallest unit of an element retaining its chemical properties.
Molecular Characteristics of Life
- Laws of Thermodynamics: Life obeys these laws.
- First Law: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
- Second Law: Processes increase entropy (disorder). Large molecules have less entropy; smaller molecules have more entropy.
- ATP: The common energy currency in biochemistry.
- Biological Molecules: Life is composed of similar, diverse biological molecules (large and small).
- Four Classes: Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids.
Nutrients
- Nutrient: Any substance providing nutritional value to an organism.
- Provides energy and building blocks for maintenance, growth, and repair.
- Some nutrients can be synthesized, others are essential.
Micronutrients vs. Macronutrients
- Micronutrient: Required in small amounts (e.g., vitamins, microminerals).
- Macronutrient: Required in large amounts (e.g., carbohydrates, proteins, lipids).
Vitamins
- Function: Act as cofactors for enzymes, organic compounds loosely bound to enzymes during reactions.
- Source: Obtained from food.
Nucleic Acids
- Function: Necessary for maintaining, growing, and repairing DNA and RNA.
RNA
- Function: Messenger carrying instructions from DNA.
- Structure: Single-stranded, complementary to DNA.
- Base Difference: Uses uracil instead of thymine.
- Building Blocks: Ribonucleotides are used to create new RNA.
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Description
Explore the core characteristics that define life, including organization, reproduction, metabolism, growth, and homeostasis. Additionally, the importance of carbon and water reliance; explore other proposed features that delineate living organisms from non-living entities. Includes response to stimuli and adaptation.
