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Questions and Answers
What is biology focused on?
What is the basic unit of organization for all life forms?
Why do viruses not fully meet the definition of 'life'?
What is a key feature of biology and all other sciences?
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What is a characteristic of life?
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What do scientists form based on existing knowledge and observations?
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What is a nonscientific claim?
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What emerges from interactions among cells?
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Study Notes
Biology and Its Place in Science
- Biology is a science focused on life and its various aspects.
- The course covers the foundations of biology, including chemistry, cells, and metabolism.
Definition of Life
- The definition of life centers on the cell, which is the basic unit of organization for all life forms.
- Characteristics of life include:
- Growing using raw materials and energy
- Reproducing with the help of DNA as genetic material
- Sensing and responding to changes in the external environment
Exclusion of Viruses from the Definition of Life
- Viruses do not fully meet the definition of "life" because they depend on cells for their reproduction.
Organization of Life
- Atoms and molecules organized in a particular way generate a living (biotic) cell capable of growth and reproduction.
- Properties of tissues and organs emerge from interactions among cells.
- Tissues and organs combine to form an organism, and multiple organisms give rise to populations, communities, and complex ecosystems.
Scientific Inquiry in Biology
- Biology, like all sciences, develops through the application of scientific inquiry.
- Scientific inquiry involves:
- Asking questions
- Forming hypotheses based on existing knowledge and observations
- Testing hypotheses through experiments or observations
- Analyzing data to determine whether the hypothesis is supported
- A nonscientific claim is a hypothesis that cannot be effectively tested by verifiable observations or experiments.
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Description
Learn about the foundations of biology, including chemistry, cells, and metabolism. Understand the definition of life and its basic units of organization.
