28 Questions
What is the relationship between structure and function in living organisms?
Structure and function are closely related
What is the basic unit of structure and function in living organisms?
Cells
What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex, with membrane-enclosed organelles
What is the function of the cell membrane?
To enclose the cell and separate it from the external environment
What is the largest organelle usually found in a eukaryotic cell?
Nucleus
What is the purpose of feedback mechanisms in biological systems?
To regulate biological processes
Which type of feedback mechanism causes a process to slow down as more of the product accumulates?
Negative feedback
Approximately how many species have been identified and named to date?
1.8 million
Which of the following is NOT one of the groups of species mentioned in the text?
Mammals
What is the main purpose of classifying species into groups?
To help organize the diversity of life
What is the primary effect of increasing CO2 on the biosphere?
Enhanced photosynthesis
How do trees contribute to the cycling of chemical nutrients in the ecosystem?
By returning minerals to the soil through decomposed leaves
What is an example of a human-induced change in the environment mentioned in the text?
Increased air pollution by factories
In what process do leaves absorb light energy from the sun?
Photosynthesis
How do organisms interact with their environment?
By interacting with non-living factors and other organisms
What is a major aspect of global climate change caused by human activities?
Global warming due to increased CO2 emissions
What is the main source of energy for living organisms?
Light
How do plants transform the energy they absorb?
Convert light energy to chemical energy stored in sugar molecules
What type of energy do animal muscle cells convert chemical energy from food into?
Kinetic energy
What happens to some of the energy used by living organisms to do work?
It is converted to thermal energy and lost as heat
How does the structure of a biological organism relate to its function?
Analysing the structure gives clues about its function
What is the ultimate fate of the chemical energy transferred from plants to consumers?
It is converted to thermal energy and lost as heat
What is the substance of genes?
DNA
What is the purpose of DNA?
All of the above
What is the structure of a DNA molecule?
Two long chains arranged in a double helix
What is the function of genes?
All of the above
What is the basis of all reproduction, growth, and repair in multicellular organisms?
Cell division
What is the process of converting gene information into a cellular product?
Both transcription and translation
Study Notes
Energy and Work
- Energy is essential for living organisms to perform various activities such as moving, growing, and reproducing
- Energy is transformed from one form to another in an ecosystem, usually entering as light and exiting as heat
- Producers absorb light energy and convert it into chemical energy, which is stored in sugar molecules
- Consumers convert chemical energy from food into kinetic energy (motion) and some of this energy is converted to thermal energy (heat)
Structure and Function
- The structure and function of living organisms are closely related
- Analyzing a biological structure provides clues about its function, and knowing a function provides insights into its structure
- Examples of structure and function correlation include:
- Leaf is thin and flat to maximize light capture by chloroplasts
- Bird's wing is adapted to flight with its shape and bone structure
The Cell
- The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living organisms
- All cells are enclosed by a membrane and use DNA as their genetic information
- There are two main forms of cells: prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (plants, animals)
- Eukaryotic cells have membrane-enclosed organelles, including a nucleus, whereas prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller
Interactions and Environment
- Organisms interact with their environment, including non-living factors and other organisms
- These interactions affect both the organisms and their environments
- Examples of interactions include:
- A tree takes up water and minerals from the soil and releases oxygen into the air
- Humans have modified the environment, contributing to global warming and climate change
Energy Transfer and Transformation
- Life requires energy transfer and transformation from one form to another
- Energy is transferred and transformed through various processes, including photosynthesis and respiration
Heritable Information and DNA
- The continuity of life is based on heritable information in the form of DNA
- Chromosomes contain most of a cell's genetic material in the form of DNA
- DNA is the substance of genes, which transmit information from parents to offspring
- Genes encode information for building proteins, and DNA serves as a central database
Feedback Mechanisms
- Feedback mechanisms regulate biological systems, allowing them to self-regulate
- There are two types of feedback mechanisms: negative feedback and positive feedback
- Negative feedback slows down a process as the product accumulates, while positive feedback speeds up the process as the product accumulates
The Diversity of Life
- There are approximately 1.8 million identified and named species to date
- The diversity of life includes various species of prokaryotes, fungi, plants, vertebrates, insects, and more
- Estimates of the total number of species that exist range from 10 million to over 100 million
- Grouping species into categories helps to organize and understand the diversity of life
Explore the effects of increasing CO2 on the biosphere through interactions between organisms and their environment. Learn how changes in variables can impact the entire ecosystem.
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