Introduction to Life Science

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Questions and Answers

What is life defined as?

Any system capable of performing functions such as eating, metabolizing, excreting, breathing, moving, growing, reproducing, and responding to external stimuli.

Which of the following are properties of life? (Select all that apply)

Have a definite form and limited size (correct)

Have adaptation (correct)

Are made up of one or more cells (correct)

Have an unlimited lifespan

Use only chemical energy (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of life?

Growth

Reproduction

Communication (correct)

Nutrition

Sensitivity

Movement

Respiration

What does metabolism refer to?

The sum total of chemical reactions taking place in an organism Signup and view all the answers

What is the ability of living things to produce new individuals closely resembling them called?

Reproduction Signup and view all the answers

All living organisms are made up of cells.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of unicellular organism?

Plant Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following theories on the origin of life proposes that living organisms arise from non-living things?

Spontaneous Generation Theory Signup and view all the answers

What scientist conducted an experiment with meat in jars to test the spontaneous creation of maggots?

Francesco Redi Signup and view all the answers

What scientist challenged Redi's experiment with broth and boiling?

John Needham Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist refined Needham's experiment with broth and boiling?

Lazzaro Spallanzani Signup and view all the answers

What scientist conducted the Swan Neck experiment?

Louis Pasteur Signup and view all the answers

Which theory on the origin of life is supported by scientific evidence and states that living things always arise from preexisting organisms?

Biogenetic Theory Signup and view all the answers

The abiogenetic theory proposes that living things can arise from inanimate sources.

True Signup and view all the answers

What theory proposes that life came from outer space?

Panspermia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a unifying theme of life?

Technology Signup and view all the answers

All living things work as a system, but can be separated from non-living things.

False Signup and view all the answers

The field of science has little impact on the lives of organisms.

False Signup and view all the answers

How does modern biology change human's everyday lives?

Modern biology impacts human lives through fields such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Life Science

Life Science investigates living organisms
Key learning outcomes include discovering the origin of life, understanding unifying life themes and creating ecosystems
Life is defined as any system capable of actions like eating, metabolizing, excreting, breathing, moving, growing, reproducing, and reacting to external stimuli

Life Properties

Living things have a definite form and limited size
Living things have a limited lifespan
Living things are composed of one or more cells
Living things use only chemical energy
Living things adapt

7 Characteristics of Life

Nutrition: Metabolism encompasses all the chemical processes in an organism
Movement: The ability of an organism to move
Reproduction: Producing new individuals similar to parents
Respiration: Anabolism, the process of building up, is crucial in respiration; using the energy of food
Excretion: Removing waste and excess water from the body
Growth: Increase in size and number of cells and organs
Sensitivity: Responding to environmental stimuli

Cell

All living organisms are made of cells—the basic unit of life
Unicellular Organisms: Composed of a single cell performing all functions
- Examples: Paramecium, Amoeba, Bacteria, and Yeast
Multicellular Organisms: Rely on many specialized cells to function
- Examples: Insects, Humans, and Plants

Theories on the Origin of Life

Special Creation Theory: Life was created by a divine being
Spontaneous Generation Theory: Living things arise from non-living matter
- Francesco Redi disproved spontaneous generation via his maggot experiment demonstrating maggots arise from fly eggs
- John Needham challenged Redi's work but also was disproved. He showed microbial growth.
- Lazzaro Spallanzani further disproved Needham by heating broth in sealed bottles- this proved a sealed system would remain sterile longer.
- Louis Pasteur proved spontaneous generation is false with his swan-neck experiment
Biogenetic Theory: Living things always arise from preexisting living entities
Other theories include "Beneath the Ice", "Lightning!", "Panspermia", and "RNA World"

Unifying Themes of Life

Biological Systems: Living things work as integrated systems, interacting with non-living things
Cellular Basis of Life: Cells are the fundamental unit of life in all organisms
Form and Function: Structures have functions that match their shapes
Reproduction & Inheritance: Traits of parents are passed onto offspring
Interaction with the Environment: Living things interact with and depend on their surroundings
Energy & Life: Autotrophs use light for energy, while heterotrophs consume other organisms
Regulation/Homeostasis: Internal stability is essential for normal bodily functions
Adaptation: Organisms adapt to changes in their environments
Evolution: Life's diversity arises from change that leads to present biodiversity
Biology & Society: Research impacts organisms' lives.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of life science through this quiz. Learn about the characteristics that distinguish living organisms and their fundamental properties. Test your understanding of ecosystems, metabolism, reproduction, and more.