30 Questions
What is the fundamental unit of an organism?
Cell
What is the primary function of energy in cells?
To catalyze chemical reactions
What is the term that describes all the chemical reactions that occur in a cell?
Metabolism
What is the ultimate source of energy for nearly all life on the planet?
The sun
What is a characteristic of life that involves the ability to maintain a stable internal environment?
Regulation and homeostasis
What is an example of a discovery that led to the development of a cancer treatment?
Pacific yew tree
What is the primary basis for grouping species in taxonomy?
Common ancestry
Which domain includes organisms that can be unicellular to multicellular and eukaryotic?
Eucarya
What is the term for the complete genetic makeup of an organism?
Genome
What is the order of classification from most inclusive to least inclusive?
Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species
What is the purpose of binomial nomenclature?
To provide a universal and unique name for each species
What is the characteristic that distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?
Presence of a nucleus
What is a characteristic of a useful hypothesis?
It makes predictions that can be tested
What is the main difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
A hypothesis is based on a little evidence, while a theory is based on a lot of evidence
What is an example of a prediction that can be made from the theory of DNA as genetic material?
Certain type of mutations can affect the traits of organisms
What is a characteristic of a theory?
It is a broad explanation of the natural world that is supported by a large body of evidence
Why can a theory never be proved true?
Because it is based on a limited amount of evidence
What is an example of evidence that supports the theory of DNA as genetic material?
Thousands of living species have been found to use DNA as their genetic material
What is the smallest unit of biological organization that biologists consider alive?
Cells
What is the primary function of nerve tissue?
Conduction of nerve impulses and secretion of neurotransmitters
What is formed when many molecules bond together to form a polymer?
Macromolecules
What is the characteristic that distinguishes true cells from other cellular structures?
Presence of genetic material in the form of DNA
What is the level of organization that consists of a group of similar cells that associate with each other to carry out a specific set of functions?
Tissue
What is an example of an organ that consists of several types of tissues?
Heart
What is the primary function of the genome?
To store information that provides a blueprint to create the organism's characteristics
What is the term used to describe the complete complement of proteins that a cell or organism can make?
Proteome
What is the scientific method used for?
To test scientific theories
What is a hypothesis?
A proposed explanation for a natural phenomenon based on previous observations or experimental studies
What is the relationship between the genome and the proteome?
The genome carries the information to make its proteome
What is the purpose of different branches of biology?
To study life at different levels using a variety of tools
Study Notes
Biology: The Study of Life
- Biology is the study of life, leading to unforeseen discoveries, e.g., Pacific yew tree and cancer treatment, Crystal Jellyfish and GFP discovery, Arrowhead Viper and inhibitors of high blood pressure, Streptomyces griseus soil bacteria and streptomycin, and White willow tree and aspirin.
Characteristics of Life
- Cells and organization: the simplest unit of an organism is the cell, and all living things can be called organisms.
- Energy use and metabolism: energy is the capacity to do work, and cells use energy by catalyzing chemical reactions.
- Response to environmental changes: living things respond to internal and external changes.
- Regulation and homeostasis: living things maintain internal order and regulate their internal environment.
- Growth and development: living things grow and develop.
- Reproduction: living things reproduce.
- Evolution: living things evolve over time.
Hypothesis and Theory
- A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a natural phenomenon based on observations or experimental studies.
- A theory is a broad explanation of some aspect of the natural world, substantiated by a large body of evidence.
Biological Organization
- The levels of biological organization are: atoms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organisms.
- A cell is the smallest unit of biological organization that is considered alive.
Classification of Living Organisms
- Taxonomy is the grouping of species based on common ancestry.
- The three domains of life are: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eucarya.
- The kingdoms of life are: Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
Scientific Names and Genomes
- Binomial nomenclature is used to identify species, with a genus and specific epithet.
- A genome is the complete genetic makeup of an organism.
- Genomics is the study of genomes, and proteomics is the study of proteomes.
Scientific Method and Biology
- The scientific method involves observation, identification, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena.
- Biology is a scientific discipline that uses the scientific method to study life.
Delve into the fascinating world of biology and discover the remarkable characteristics that define life. From the Pacific yew tree's role in cancer treatment to the humble Streptomyces griseus soil bacteria's contribution to streptomycin, explore the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments. Test your knowledge of the fundamental principles of life!
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