General Biology Concepts and Branches

The hierarchical structure used to classify living organisms is called the taxonomic hierarchy. Its main levels are domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species, from broadest to most specific.

Anabolism is the process of building complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input. An example is protein synthesis, where amino acids are joined to form proteins. Catabolism is the process of breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy. An example is cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down to release energy.

Photosynthesis is crucial for life on Earth because it converts light energy into chemical energy, which is the basis of most food chains. Its main products are glucose (a simple sugar), which provides energy for organisms, and oxygen, which is essential for cellular respiration.

<p>Lipids play various roles in living organisms, including storing energy, forming cellular membranes, and participating in hormone production. They are important for insulation and protection, and they are key components of cell signaling pathways.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Biological principles and theories are interconnected because all living organisms are part of a complex web of interactions. Understanding these principles allows us to develop solutions for various challenges, such as disease prevention, food production, and environmental conservation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism, despite external changes. It is crucial for proper functioning and survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Organisms with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those beneficial traits to their offspring. This leads to gradual changes in populations over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The genetic code, encoded in DNA, dictates the sequence of amino acids in proteins. This sequence determines the protein's structure and function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Energy flows through ecosystems, generally starting with the sun, powering life processes. Producers capture sunlight, consumers obtain energy by eating producers or other consumers, and decomposers break down dead organisms, releasing nutrients back into the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Evolutionary biology studies the origins, diversity, and relationships between life forms on Earth. It helps us understand how organisms have changed over time, the origin of new species, and the interconnectedness of life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Genetics is the study of genes, DNA, and inheritance patterns. Heredity refers to the passing of traits from parents to offspring through genes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The cell theory establishes that cells are the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms, and that all cells arise from pre-existing cells. This principle provides a foundational understanding of life's organization and origin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The hierarchical organization of living organisms from domains to species.

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya are the broadest categories of life.

The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism, including anabolism and catabolism.

The process plants use to convert light energy into carbohydrates and oxygen.

Biological molecules (DNA and RNA) that store and transmit genetic information.

The scientific study of life and living organisms.

All living organisms are composed of cells; cells are the basic unit of structure and function; cells come from pre-existing cells.

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Cells that possess a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Organisms change over time, adapting to their environment through heritable traits.

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

The specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA that determines the order of amino acids in proteins.